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HEROINES 


9 


OF 


SACRED HISTORY. 










BY MRS. STEELE. 
» # 




the path of the just is 

as a shining light. — Prov. iv. 18. 


SECOND EDITION. 

) > 

I * * 

u * 

NEW YORK : 

JOHN S . TAYLOR, &Co. 

145 NASSAU STREET. 


1842. 







Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1840, by 
m John S. Taylor. 

in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Southern 
District of New York. 


Gift 

Wrs. Hennen Jennings 
April 26, 1933 



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IA11V Ztfe33 




CONTENTS. 

% r 

Page. 

Heroism of Miriam, 7 

Heroism of Deborah, 33 

Heroism of Ruth, 59 

Heroism of Queen Esther, 83 

Heroism of Jehosheea', 147 

Heroism of Jepthah’s Daughter, 169 

Heroism of Judith 199 



PREFACE. 


In this age of paper, when the world seems 
busy “ making many books,” and, when sailors 
logs, and prison calenders, are searched for some 
rare novelty, I turn over the well filled leaves 
of my bible, and sigh that its rich pastures are 
neglected to feed upon such empty husks. With- 
in this wondrous book, is every kind of literary 
excellence. In poetry, its sublime and beautiful 
strains have remained unequalled. The delinea- 
tion of character, historical, moral, and epistolary 
portions, are also unrivalled. To quote the 
words of a late and able writer upon this great 
book,* “ when we explore the treasures of its 
pages, and seem for a moment to grasp the full 
measure of its wonders, and its knowledge, how 
is our admiration heightened !” The lover of 
sentiment, of touching incident, and of soul- 
stirring narration, need not seek the shelves of 


* Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D. 

1 * 


VI 


PREFACE. 


romance to gratify his taste ; let him open these 
glowing pages, and he will here behold such 
themes touched with a master hand. I have 
sketched a few of the most conspicuous female 
characters, pourtrayed in these divine writings, 
hoping to turn the attention of those, whose ig- 
norance of their contents renders them distaste- 
ful, towards the many beauties which they con- 
tain. In order to render them more attractive, 
I have drawn with them, the costumes, scenery, 
and manners, of the several periods in which 
they lived. If this little book, shall lead one of 
its readers to the fountain from which it is 
taken, the author’s purpose shall have been 
answered. E R s 

New York October , 10 th. 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


M O my people ! what have I done to thee ? and wherein 
have I wearied thee ? Testify against me ! For I brought 
thee up out of the land of Egypt ; and redeemed thee out of 
the house of servants; and I sent before. thee Moses, Aaron, 
and Miriam .” — Micah vi. 3, 4. 

Many and vast were the temples and palaces 
which arose in the ancient city of Zoan in Egypt ; 
and among the most stately and gracefully propor- 
tioned was the palace of Pharoah, the King. 

In a room of lofty dimensions plated and carved 
with gold, richly hung with embroidered stuffs, and 
filled with furniture of costly material, was the king 
of this renowed and fertile land. But not at ease 
was he among the regal trappings around him, nor 
cast he even one admiring glance at all this splen- 
dor. Walking restlessly about the apartment, he 
bent his brow, as if musing upon some subject 


8 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


which deeply annoyed him ; for cares and vexations 
will intrude even in a royal palace. In this apart- 
ment, besides the king were three persons ; near 
the door stood two aged women who cowered be- 
neath their large dark mantles as if anxious to 
screen themselves from observation ; while at the 
window which opened upon a marble colonade was 
a man apparently absorbed in gazing upon the vast 
area of brick and marble which lay beneath him, 
filled with thousands of human beings, or, the glit- 
tering waters of the Nile which flowed beyond. 

“ Sesostris,” said the king stopping abruptly be- 
fore him, “ why dost thou not counsel me in this 
matter? These Hebrew nurses whom thou seest at 
the door, have refused my command to put the male 
children to death. Must I stoop to embrue my 
hands with the blood of these pitiful crones ? What 
am I to do if they will not obey me ? If I suffer 
this Hebrew people to increase as they have of late 
we shall be overrun with them, and they will take 
possession of my country !” 

“ Nay, my brother and my king,” replied Sesostris, 
“ it were not best to permit them thus to multiply, 
as in case of war they will join the enemy, and we 
shall be conquered. Can they not be forced to 
intermarry with our people, so that in time we shall 
be one nation ?” 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


9 


“No, brother. They have other Gods, other 
laws, and keep themselves quite distinct. They 
also rely upon promises made by their God, as they 
say, to their fathers, that they shall one day be a 
great people — conquerors of Egypt mayhaps !” 

“ They live too easy, 0 king. Give them all the 
heavy labour of the land ; let them be worn and 
wearied, and their haughty spirit will be quelled, 
and by degrees they will die off.” 

“ It shall be done,” said the king. Then turning 
to the women he said, “ And now ye false and de- 
ceitful old women, leave my presence ere I relent 
of my mercy towards you !” Silently and rapidly 
the ancient females withdrew. 

Task masters were set over the children of Israel, 
and they were compelled to work hard from morning 
to night, ‘ in mortar, and in brick, and in all service 
of the field.’ Their lives were rendered bitter by 
this cruel bondage ; but it answered not the purpose 
of their master, for, ‘ the more they were afflicted 
the more they multiplied and grew.’ Determined 
to rid himself of this noxious race, Pharoah now 
issued a decree which brought anguish to every 
Hebrew bosom. 

Thus ran the decree : 1 Every son that is born ye 
shall cast into the river ; but every daughter ye may 
save alive.’ 


10 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


In a mud hut on the banks of the Nile dwelt a 
Hebrew and his wife ; Amram and Jochebed, both 
of the house of Levi. Here, in secrecy and bitter 
sorrow, was the unhappy wife delivered of a son. 
There was no joy in the house that a man child was 
born into the world, but groans of anguish burst 
from his parents hearts that he was doomed to a 
miserable death. No smiles heralded his coming ; 
tears fell upon his little face, and sighs broke forth 
from the bosoms around him. For three months 
Jochebed continued to conceal the boy. His merry 
laugh, which to other mothers would be rich music, 
brought a pang to her. She dreaded lest this sound 
should bring the murderers to the door, and hushed 
him into silence. Miriam, the daughter of Amram, 
although quite young was of great service to her 
mother, for she took charge of her other brother 
Aaron, and assisted to keep the infant quiet. With 
a thoughtfulness beyond her years, she parried all 
intrusion even from their own kin, lest his existence 
through their means should become known. He 
could not however be always concealed, and his 
parents became aware they were suspected. He 
had been heard to weep one night by a passer by, 
and Jochebed was continually questioned regarding 
him. She was advised to obey the decree lest the 
whole family should be punished, but resolutely 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


11 


refused, until one day informed the officers, who 
put the decree in execution were asking about 
her. Then it became evident they must give up the 
child or suffer with him. After many a solemn 
conference together, this unhappy family came to 
the resolution of casting their child out upon the 
river. 

At her father’s bidding, Miriam brought from the 
river’s side an armful of the reed Papyrus, which 
she tore off in strips, and wove into a stout basket. 
This her father covered with pitch which rendered 
it water tight. While they were thus engaged with 
their work, the unhappy Jochebed sat in a remote 
comer, pressing her boy to her heart, tears of bit- 
terness streaming in torrents from her eyes. Un- 
conscious of evil the child smiled in its mother’s 
face, presenting by its joyousness a strange contrast 
to his sorrowing family. “ Cheer thee Jochebed,” 
said her husband as he bent over his work, “ we 
shall not be utterly exterminated ; some one will be 
saved to go to the promised land, and why not our 
boy ? Remember the words of our noble Joseph when 
on his death bed : ‘ God will surely visit you, and 
bring you out of this land, which he sware to Abra- 
ham, to Isaac, and to Jacob,’ — in my calculation the 
time is not far off. I rely on his promises, and 


12 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


believe the days of our bondage are coming to 
an end.” 

Jochebed only answered by her tears. 

“ How know ye not,” said the young Miriam, 
“that our darling boy is destined to be our leader 
and deliverer? Shake not your head thus sadly, 
mother. Hath he not been wonderfully preserved 
while our neighbors’ children have perished ? And 
if he yet be suffered to live, I shall believe it a 
miraculous manifestation of God in his favor.” 

“Alas, how may he escape?” said the mother 
sorrowfully. “ If the waves do not engulph him, he 
will starve, or be devoured by a crocodile.” 

“ Nay dearest mother, I shall watch him too well. 
As the little ark floats down the stream, I shall fol- 
low it, and guard it, even if it float for days or 
months. Perhaps it may be wafted beyond the do- 
minions of this wicked king, and then I will take it 
up and nourish it.” 

“ Thou, Miriam ? How can so slight a girl as 
thou do this ? How wilt thou subsist ? Thy father 
is the proper person.” 

“ Not so, mother, for if father is missed from his 
work the task-master will pursue him, discover the 
child, and we shall all perish. Trust the boy to 
me, mother, I will risk my life to save him.” 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


13 


“ Blessings on my noble girl !” cried her father. 
“ Thou hast inspired me, also, to hope our God will 
save the boy, for his faithful sister’s sake, if not for 
ours.” 

The ark was finished. Miriam placed within a 
soft bed, and approached Jochebed to take the child. 
Sad was the parting then between the mother and 
her darling boy ; unable to see him go, she fled into 
an inner room, to vent her anguish in sobs and bitter 
groans. After a long, last kiss, Miriam and her 
father launched the frail bark upon the Nile. 

“ Farewell, father,” said Miriam fondly ; “ cheer 
up my mother, and tell her to trust in God, who, I 
feel assured, will yet rescue the boy from the hands 
of his enemies. Depend upon me. All that a ten- 
der, devoted sister can do, shall be done.” 

“ Farewell, Miriam,” said her father, while the 
tears fell down upon his beard, “ I trust in the Lord 
and in thee ! May the God of Abraham protect 
thee and strengthen thee !” 


Hour after hour the tiny vessel floated on ; the 
little occupant smiling and playing with his fingers, 
or amusing himself with the food which lay near 
him. Hour after hour his firm-hearted sister walked 
on beside it, under the blazing sun of Egypt, or sat 
2 


14 


HEROISM OF 3IJRIAM. 


upon a bank when it became obstructed in its course, 
or was lodged in the biishes which lined the river side. 
Heat and fatigue unheeded, her eyes and thoughts 
were fixed on her charge alone, or lifted in prayer 
to God for its safety. At mid-day the little barge 
was whirled among some rushes, in the outskirts of 
the city, where it became' stationary. Miriam con- 
cealed herself behind a pile of bricks, and sat down 
td watch it. Frequently she drew it to the shore 
and fed the child. At length she drew it beneath 
the shade of some palm trees which grew upon 
the bank, and sat down near it. How did her heart 
beat at every approaching step ! dreading lest her 
charge should be observed before the shades of night 
should enable her once more to float it away from 
the city. But the hours passed on and no eye fell 
upon it. The Nile flowed slowly at her feet, its 
banks adorned by a fringe of papyrus, whose tall and 
slender stalks, bent to the summer breeze, or raised 
aloft the plume -like blossoms which crowned their 
heads. No sound disturbed the silence, except 
^ when the brilliant Flamingo stalked by her, flashing 
his scarlet and orange plumage to the sun, or the 
stately Ibis pursued its chase of the water serpents 
among the rushes. 

A strong wind arose, and the waves were cast 
upon the shore. Miriam started with horror as she 


\ 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 15 

beheld a drowned infant thrown upon thfe sand ; one 
of her own nation sacrificed to Pharoah’s cruelty. 
An instant passed, and, rushing through the blue 
lotus flowers, which floated on the stream, an enor- 
mous crocodile pounced upon the child ; opening its 
dreadful jaws, the innocent was soon engulphed in 
the horrid chasm, and the creature disappeared. 
Aroused by footsteps Miriam turned her head : a 
party of miserable Hebrews passed, half naked, and 
surrounded by overseers, and bending beneath a load 
of brick and straw. 

The sound of music next attracted her attention : 
a religious procession was passing, and she gazed 
with disgust, as she observed the priests were lead- 
ing in golden chains, the sacred crocodile ! The 
back of this hideous monster was richly painted and 
gilded, while bracelets of gold and of jewels adorned 
its shapeless legs. She watched him, as with his 
train he entered the temple. This superb edifice 
was surrounded by four noble porticoes, and was 
raised upon an elevated platform of marble steps. 
A long avenue of Sphinxes led to it, and before the 
edifice stood two obelisks of rose coloured granite, 
whose slender shafts^seemed to reach the heavens, 
and whose sides were carved in raised hierogly- 
phics. The ceiling of this temple was painted blue, 
and studded with golden stars ; its sides richly 


16 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


carved, gilded, and painted. In the centre stood a 
tank for the service of the Sacred Crocodile, while 
on one side was a room, where, lying upon a costly 
carpet, he was waited on, and adorned by people of 
the first rank in the city. 

The sun was now sinking behind the hills of 
Ramases, when the sound of female voices met the 
ear of Miriam. She arose with alacrity and looked 
forth. “ Now is my sweet brother safe,” she 
said, “for surely no female bosom could devise 
aught evil against so lovely a babe.” 

The females approached, and by the richness of 
their apparel, and by their numerous attendants, were 
ladies of high rank. Above the rest, was one dis- 
tinguished for the graceful and majestic form. She 
was beautiful, also, and the rich blood called forth 
by exercise cast a brilliant shade over her slightly 
bronzed skin. As she came nearer Miriam discov- 
ered it was the princess Themestris. Then the heart 
of this loving sister died within her. It was the 
daughter of Pharaoh, of their relentless oppressor, 
who approached, who, if the child were discovered 
would not probably dare resist her father’s decree to 
save a Hebrew infant. Miriamjooked around in des- 
pair, ljut the Princess was near and concealment for 
her charge was vain. 

Her heart upon the rack, Miriam saw the Princess 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


17 


stand upon the rivers bank quite near the rushes, 
among which was the basket containing her precious 
treasure. He was not observed and she breathed 
free ; but, weary and hungry, the babe just then 
awoke from slumber, and uttered a feeble cry. 

“ What noise is that ?” asked one of the ladies — 
and Miriam threw herself upon the ground in an- 
guish. 

“It was the cry of a crocodile,” said another, 
“ let us fly ere we be devoured.” 

“ Silence !” cried the Princess. 

The wail of an infant was distinctly heard. 

“ It is a child,” said Themestris, “ and now I 
discover a basket among yonder rushes. Bring it 
hither some of ye.” 

The attendants hastened to obey her, and the 
basket was soon laid at her feet. When opened, a 
babe of wondrous beauty lay within. It was weep- 
ing bitterly, and raised its little hand, imploring- 
ly at the curious faces which surrounded his cradle. 
The princess gazed at the child and tears stream- 
ed from her eyes over her beautiful face. 

“ Oh my father, this is thy cruel policy !” she 
cried. Then turning to her women, she said, “ This 
is doubtless one of the Hebrew children, whose 
parents forced to throw it into the Nile, have thus 
sought to preserve it.” 


9 * 


18 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


“ Shall we throw it back again ?” asked one of 
the attendants. 

“ Throw it back again ! Have you the heart for such 
a thing!” exclaimed the Princess in indignation. 

“ It is no doubt preserved by the Gods for some 
especial purpose and I accept the charge. Osiris ! 
God of the Nile ! if thou hast sent this babe to me, 
behold I receive it and will rear it as my own.” 

Who shall describe the emotions which passed 
through the heart of Miriam during this scene. 
Tears of gratitude and joy burst from her eyes, and 
she knelt to thank that merciful God, who had 
saved her brother from destruction, and his parents 
from misery. 

With a fortitude beyond her years, she left her 
hiding place and approached the group. Sauntering 
carelessly along, she paused as if gazing at them ; 
when one of the ladies pitying her childish curiosi- 
ty called her gaily to them. 

“ Come hither child, and see the young crocodile 
we have caught.” 

“ Miriam came forward uttering many expressions 
of admiration and wonder. 

“ And is my royal lady going to adopt the child V 1 
she asked dropping her eyes to conceal the emotion 
which she feared would betray her. “ She is : for 
she is as benevolent as she is beautiful ” 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


19 


“Then, if she will listen to her handmaid, I 
know a Hebrew nurse who dwelleth near and who 
is very skilful. I will fetch her if the noble Princess 
please.” 

“It is well thought of girl;” said Themestris. 
“ If it be a Hebrew infant, a nurse of that nation 
were more fitting. Be quick, child, and see thou 
hast her here by the time I have finished bathing in 
yonder marble Bath.” Miriam needed no spur but 
springing forward was soon on her way homeward. 
The basket had been many hours upon the river, on 
account of its frequent stoppages, but Miriam was at 
her home in a much shorter time. “ 0 mother, 
mother !” she cried, “ did I not prophesy truly ; 
God hath saved our babe, he is as I predicted, des- 
tined to greatness, for the Princess hath taken him.” 
Her sudden appearance and her unexpected good 
news, so overpowered her mother, that she almost 
fainted. Reviving soon, she was on her way to the 
spot ; joy enabling her to keep up with the bounding 
steps of Miriam. With a tolerable degree of fortitude 
Jochebed saluted the daughter of Pharaoh. “ Take 
this child,” said the charitable Princess — “ nurse it 
for me, and let it want for nothing, for it is the 
adopted child of a Princess. Thou shalt be boun- 
tifully paid. Call him Moses, because he was drawn 
out the] water. As * Jochebed received her child 


20 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


again, her emotion overcame her, and she dropped 
her head upon that of the infant while a sudden 
palor overspread her face. Miriam ran to her ; 
and the Princess whispered, “ Poor creature ! doubt- 
less she has been forced to give her own child up 
to death. I hope this will awaken her affection and 
heal her wounded heart.” The Princess and train 
returned to the Palace ; while Jochebed, supported 
by her heroic daughter, set out for her own now 
happy home. By what simple means did God 
bring his purpose to pass ! A tender girl and a char- 
itable female, were apparently the preservers of this 
child ; but God had selected them as fitting agents. 
And this infant — who that looked upon him then, 
could imagine the mighty deeds he was destined to 
perform 1 A great multitude was to be taken from 
a powerful and unwilling nation ; a countless army 
overthrown ; kings and nations swept from the land, 
to give place to his wandering host ! 

But I shall not touch upon the story of Moses 
except where Miriam is concerned. Who, after 
seeing the heroic conduct of the young Miriam, and 
her devotion to her brother in which she certainly 
risked her life, would imagine her capable of her after 
conduct 1 Who could recognise the watcher by the 
Nile, in the rebel of the Desert of Zin ? In this 
one shade upon the character of Miriam, we -may 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


21 


behold the taint of that indwelling sin, which is seen 
to shadow the fair fame of earth’s wisest and best 
and which in after years required the great atoning 
sacrifice of our merciful Saviour. 

Ambition seemed the form in which the tempter 
came to Miriam. We have seen her constant pre- 
diction to lier mother, that Moses would be a great 
man; which prophesy displays the tenor of her 
thoughts and hopes. By this overweening ambition, 
she fell from her high estate. Let her fall warn us 
to look into our own bosoms, and remember. — “The 
heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately 
wicked : who can know it V* When the nurse of 
Moses was no longer needed, he was taken to the 
Princess, and soon raised to power. But he always 
clung to his nation, and refused to be called an 
Egyptian, or the son of Pharoah’s daughter. 

It is unnecessary to say any thing more of the 
succeeding events of the life of Moses ; or of the 
wondrous miracles wrought by him before Pharoah 
to induce him to let his people go ; as my readers 
are, or I hope they are , sufficiently acquainted with 
them. Pharoah was dead, and a new king arose, 
who fully appreciated the worth of the Hebrews as 
hewers of wood and drawers of water. It seemed 
for a time as if the miracles only irritated the 


22 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


king, and induced him to render the Hebrews bon 4 
dage more bitter. Then was Miriam of great service 
to her countrymen, — confident in the promise of 
God, she inspired courage into their hearts by her 
unswerving faith. As a reward for her trust in him, 
God bestowed upon her the gift of Prophecy, and 
placed her beside her brothers, Moses, and Aaron, 
as leaders, instructors, and judges of the children 
of Israel. 

The Hebrews departed, but were soon followed 
by the Egyptian army. Few were the hearts which 
then failed not, when they beheld themselves hem- 
med in between a raging foe, and a vast ocean ! A 
seditious murmur arose. “ Were there no graves in 
Egypt !” they cried, “ that we are brought hither to 
die ? It were better to serve Egyptians, than perish 
in the wilderness.” 

“ Fear ye not !” said Moses. “ Stand still ; see 
the salvation which God will now bring you. The 
Egyptians whom ye see this day, ye shall never see 
again ! The Lord will fight for you ! Hold your 
peace.” Awed into silence, the people gazed up at 
Moses, who was standing upon a ledge of rocks 
above them. Moses stretched out his miraculous 
rod over the sea — there came a rushing wind — with 
a mighty roar the waters fell back on each side, and 
the Israelites beheld a dry path through the midst of 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


23 


the deep, rolling sea ! Directed by Moses the peo- 
ple passed over this wondrous pathway, looking fear- 
fully up at the lofty wall of living emerald which 
arose on each side ; while far above was a fringe of 
white foam, as if the waves were struggling and 
chafing to dash themselves down to their natural 
depths, and overwhelm the intruders into their secret 
haunt. 

The eastern shore was attained in safety, and the 
Israelites turned to look upon the sea, when lo ! like 
a crimson cord spanning the great ocean, the scar- 
let-clad hosts of Pharoah were already on their 
track. The foot of the foremost touched the shore, 
when, with a mighty crash the mass of waters fell, 
and the armies of Egypt were whelmed beneath the 
waves ! 

Filled with gratitude and triumph Moses broke 
forth in the following song, accompanyed by the 
exulting Miriam, and other women striking their 
timbrels : 

moses and Miriam’s song. 

To Jehovah I will sing, 

Who hath triumphed gloriously , 

Horse and rider conquering, \ 

He hath cast them in the sea. 


24 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


My salvation is my song, 

By Jehovah rendered strong. 

He is my God, 

I will praise him ; 

My father’s God, 

I will exalt him. 

God is a man of war, 

Jehovah is his name ; 

Pharoah’s chariots and his hosts 
He hath brought to fear and shame. 
His captains over ten 

In the Red Sea found a grave ; 

To the depths his chosen men, 

Like stones sank through the wave. 

Thy right hand, 0 Jehovah ! 

Is glorious in its power ; 

Thy right hand, 0 Jehovah ! 

Made the sons of Egypt cower. 

In thy excellency, Lord, 

Thou hast sent thy wrath abroad : 
And as stubble burned those, 

Who ’gainst thy glory rose. 

Thy nostrils breath, 

The waters heap ; 

And fraught with death, 
Uprose the deep ! 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


The enemy said : 

Their path I’ll pursue, 

And the Israelite dead, 

The desert shall strew. 

I will draw forth my sword ! 

On the Hebrew abhorred 
My wrath shall be poured. 

The east wind sped — 

Through the waves, their dead 
Fell sinking as lead. 

Who is like unto thee 

Among Gods, 0 our Lord ! 

Who is like unto thee ? 

Thy name be adored. 

Glorious in holiness 
Radiant in splendors ; 

We, in our fearfulness, 

Gaze on thy wonders. 

At thy stretched out right hand. 

And thy mighty command, 

The earth swallowed their band ! 

Forth, by thy mercy, the ransomed are led 
And under thy wing for refuge have fled. 
The people shall hear, 

And tremble with fear, 

And Philistia sorrow that Israel is near. 

3 


26 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


The great dukes of Edom will shrink at the tale ; 
The mighty of Moab before us will quail ; 

And the Canaanites race from the country shall fail. 

Fear and dread shall on them fall — 

Still as stones then stand they all, 

While thy people shall pass over 
Thy purchased people, 0 Jehovah ! 

By them led on, we shall attain 
Our promised heritance- — and gain 
The Holy Mount where thou wilt reign. 

Jehovah shall rule and worshipped shall be, 

As surely as Pharoah was cast in the sea 
With his horses and chariots and warrior band, 
While the children of Israel past through on dry land 

Then shook Miriam her timbrel , and sang the chorus ^ 
To Jehovah I will sing, 

Who hath triumphed gloriously ; 

Horse and rider conquering, 

He hath cast them in the sea ! 

Sadly turn we now to relate the fall Miriam. We 
have said she was ambitious — this ambition was fully 
gratified when she saw herself associated with her 
brothers, Aaron and Moses, as leaders and judges of 
the Israelites. She was reverenced by all, as a pro- 
phetess ; and enjoyed especial honor as the sister of 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


27 


Moses. Zipporah, the wife of Moses, whom he had 
left in the land of Cush, with her father, Jethro, had 
lately arrived and joined her husband, and of course, 
obtained much of the people’s good will as wife of 
their leader ; and Miriam stood not alone in their 
regard or in that of Moses. She, however, reigned 
without a rival when Moses judged the people ; for 
he needed help, and Aaron was engaged with his 
priestly duties. When the father of Zipporah ar- 
rived, he advised Moses to lighten his toil by divid- 
ing his people in tens, fifties, hundreds and thou- 
sands, and by appointing rulers over each band. 
Miriam then no longer saw herself a distinguished 
associate of her brothers, as her office was divided, 
and she became merely one of the many rulers. 
Forgetful she owed all to God, and that he might 
take away his gifts, Miriam looked upon Jethro and 
Zipporah as usurpers and rivals. Day and night she 
devised plans to overthrow their counsels. She en- 
deavored to interest Aaron in her cause ; and, much 
attached to his sister, and of a gentle nature, he lis- 
tened to her, and pitied her, when, perhaps, he would 
have done better to have reproved her harshly. 

The Israelites were now in the wilderness of Zin, 
a large, level plain, surrounded by eminences which 
shot up their bare granite peaks to the heavens. 
The twelve tribes were encamped by threes on each 


28 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


side of this immense plain, having at each corner 
the standards erected. Judah bore upon his ban- 
ner a Lion, while the other three bore the figures of 
the Ox, Eagle, and Man. In the centre arose the 
wondrous Tabernacle, glowing in purple, and blue, 
and scarlet, and gold embroidery. It stood within a 
large space, enclosed by a fence of linen curtains, 
suspended upon pillars of brass. Within this en- 
closure stood the brazen sea, and great altar of brass, 
and tables of marble. Miriam was sitting at the 
door of her tent, uttering complaints of Moses, in 
the ear of Aaron, and within hearing of many wit- 
nesses. 

“ Moses hath transgressed, seeing he hath married 
this Midian woman,” said Miriam. “ Who is she 
that all honor her thus as if there were no other 
women in the camp ? And who is her father that 
he deviseth mischief against me ?” 

“ I am sorry for thee, my sister, and will speak 
to Moses regarding thee ; for didst thou not save his 
life ?” 

“Yea, what were Moses, were it not for me? 
He taketh too much upon him. Hath the Lord only 
revealed his will by him ? Hath he not also given 
thee and me the spirit of prophecy ? 

“ Yea, indeed he hath,” said Aaron. 

Suddenly a cloud came down and rested at the 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


29 


door of the Tabernacle, and the people knew the 
Lord was among them. Then every one stood still 
in his place, and listened, as the Lord commanded 
Moses and Aaron and Miriam to come into the court 
of the Tabernacle. Tremblingly they obeyed the 
mandate, and walked up in silence uridisturbed ex- 
cept by the tinkling of the golden bells upon the 
robe of Aaron. They stood before the Tabernacle 
in the face of the whole congregation. The tall and 
stately figure of Moses was enveloped in a large 
mantle of white linen, fringed with blue ; while 
Aaron was arrayed in the gorgeous vestments of the 
High Priest — the breast of his blue upper-dress 
dazzling with the emblematic jewels, while the bot- 
tom was hung with scarlet pomegranates and golden 
bells — his white linen mitre circfed by a golden band, 
and his girdle and linen under-dress richly embroid- 
ered with scarlet, and blue, and purple. Miriam 
glorying in her situation, and expecting new honors, 
stood between them, with her head elevated so that 
the golden horn which ornamented her forehead, 
was erected on high. 

“ Hear now my words,” said the Lord. “ If 
there be a prophet among you, I, the Lord, will 
make myself known unto him in visions and dreams 
only ; but my servant, Moses, who is faithful to me, 
shall be spoken to, mouth to mouth — not in dark 


30 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


speeches as to you, but is honored above you by be- 
holding the similitude of the Lord. Knowing this, 
were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, 
Moses?” Then trembled Aaron and Miriam, for 
they saw the anger of the Lord was kindled against 
them. 

The cloud departed from the sanctuary; they 
turned to gaze upon each other, when lo ! they saw 
that Miriam was a leper ! The color was gone from 
her blooming cheek, and her skin was turned to the 
livid hue of the dead ! Aaron threw himself at the 
feet of Moses. 

“ Alas, my lord,” he said, “ I beseech thee forgive 
us our sin, for indeed we have spoken foolishly 
against thee. Take pity upon Miriam, and do not 
let her remain thus as one dead ere the tomb have 
closed over her.” 

Moses interceded for her with God. “ Heal her 
now, O God, I beseech thee,” he cried. The Lord 
refused to heal Miriam, but ordered her to undergo 
the usual cleansing of lepers, and to live seven days 
without the camp. 

In the sight of all Israel was the humiliated 
Miriam , carried without the limits of the camp, 
where a tent was erected for her. Here she re- 
mained seven days, undergoing the usual lustrations 
and sacrifices of those tainted with leprosy. Her 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


31 


long and beautiful hair was shaven off— her clothes 
were washed as well as her body. Upon the se- 
venth day the Priests visited her, and after exami- 
nation, she was pronounced whole. The usual 
ceremony then followed, in which one of Aaron’s 
sons, Miriam’s nephew, officiated. A vessel of pure 
water was brought, which had been taken from a 
running spring. The Priest then took two birds, one 
of which was killed over the water — a piece of 
cedar wood, some scarlet wool, and a sprig of hysop 
were; with the remaining bird, dipped into the blood, 
and sprinkled upon Miriam. The bird was then let 
loose in the desert. Being pronounced clean, Mi- 
riam was again led into the camp. The next day 
she presented at ihe altar a lamb to be sacrificed, 
and some oil. She was anointed with the oil after 
it had been offered up, and the Priests absolved her 
from all other duties. 

Miriam was thoroughly repentant, and humbled. 
Her character was much improved* by this chasten- 
ing : and pride and ambition were for ever at rest 
within her bosom. Let this one shadow upon her 
fair life be forgotten, as she was one of God’s chosen 
agents for the furtherance of his great and wonder- 
ful purposes. 


The children of Israel once more broke up their 


32 


HEROISM OF MIRIAM. 


encampment, and journeyed through the wilderness 
At Kadesh they again encamped in the desert of 
Paran, and there Miriam died. The Hill of Paran 
is a remarkable pile of rocks, whose slender, jagged 
spires give it, at a distance, the appearance of a 
cathedral. In the side of this rock, they cut out a 
tomb for Miriam. It was richly carved within, while 
over the door was her name, and the date of her 
death, surrounded with ornamented work. Her 
body was bound with linen bands, and laid upon a 
bier : she was followed to her tomb by her weeping 
relatives of the house of Levi, and a train of hired 
mourners whose death-wail awoke the desert echoes. 
A carved Sarcophagus, filled with spices, received 
her body — the door was closed — the train dispersed, 
and the Israelites resumed their march, leaving 
Miriam in her lonely resting-place. 

THE MORAL. 

Let us learn from the story of Miriam to crush 
every aspiration of ambition which may swell our 
bosoms. How was her glory tarnished by this 
spirit. Surrounded by friends and admirers, and 
exalted by God to a high office among her country- 
men, she strove to advance higher, and fell into the 
shades of humiliation and sorrow. 

Remember the words of our Saviour’s apostle, who 
tells us, “ Godliness with contentment is great gam.” 


THE HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 

• . , 


“ Their land is full of idols \ they worship the work of their 
own hands, that which their own fingers have made.” — 
Isaiah ii. 8. 

“ Harness the horses ! and get up ye horsemen ! and stand 
forth with your helmets ; furbish the spear and put on the 
brigandines .” — Jeremiah xlvi. 4. 

r 

Night with her lustrous stars, her silence an' 1 
repose, had passed away, and soft eyed daw' 
heralded by gentle zephyrs, and breathing out per- 
fume, arose from Asia’s mists like the poet’s Venus 
from the sea, all smiles and gladness. Each flower 
threw out its fairy petals, and wafted forth its fra- 
grant incense to the day. Almond and citron blos- 
soms, brilliant pomegranate, and oleander tossed the 
dew from their delicate heads, and shook their 
fragile branches in the morning breeze. The birds 
were on every bough singing their rejoicings to the 
coming day ; for as yet the sun had not appeared, 
but clouds of rose and purple told of his near ap- 


34 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


proach, and threw a softened radiance over plain 
and hill and valley. A clear and gentle river — 
Kishon, “that ancient river, the river Kishon,” 
wound through the verdant plain. By its side arose 
a sloping hill, whose summit was crowned by a 
grove of oaks and elms, among whose shadows a 
lordly temple was just made visible as the sun’s 
first rays fell on the hill-top, while all below still 
lay in shade. The rising light revealed its snowy 
porticoes and lofty arches, and graceful columns of 
rare proportion ; then passing down the hill shone 
on a procession of solemn worshippers who were 
winding along the river’s bank, and ascending to the 
temple above. Conspicuous among the throng were 
the sacred oxen, who gaily decorated with ribbons, 
and wreathed with roses, were led by young boys 
clad in white robes and crowned with garlands. 
Behind them came a train of women dancing, and 
singing to instruments of music ; while preceding 
and around the victims were several hundred priests 
whose black robes threw the only shadow over a 
landscape now brightly illumined by the broadly 
risen sun. The procession ascended the hill ; the 
temple doors were thrown open ; the Priests enter- 
ed and advanced to the altar. There upon two pe- 
destals, stood the gods they came to worship. The 
one, a man cast in brass, having an ox’s head — the 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


35 


other of marble, and human shape, clothed in a coat 
of golden mail, wearing a crown and wielding a 
sword ; the former was Moloch, and the latter Baal. 
To these gods of marble and gold the priests and 
people had come to ask for protection from a pow- 
erful enemy, who in predatory bands made inroads 
upon them, and carried away flocks, and people, 
and goods. 

Reader, canst thou say in what land arose this 
temple, these images of marble, and these idol wor- 
shippers ? Canst thou believe it was in Israel ? In 
the promised land ? Alas — it was the dear-bought 
land of Canaan, and these deluded idolaters were 
the sons of Judah, once God’s own peculiar people ! 
No remembrance of their former errors and their 
previous punishment could wean this stiff-necked 
race from their love of idol worship. Forgotten 
was all the forbearing love of their gracious God — 

o ^ to 

forgotten was his power which led them out of 
Egypt, and placed them in this lovely land — forgot- 
ten were all the denunciations of Jehovah against 
idolatry — again thoy sinned, and now again, in con- 
sequence of this sin, were plunged in misery and 
woe. The Canaanites whom the Israelites had 
subdued and confined to their cities subject to tri- 
bute, had now been stirred up against them. For 
many years they harrassed them by coming suddenly 


36 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH 


✓ 

upon them in small bands, carrying away every 
thing or person which fell in their power. 

In consequence of these incursions, the highways 
were deserted, the fields were uncultivated, and the 
children of Israel were sorely oppressed. To arrest 
this evil, the mass of the people sought not for pro- 
tection from their all-powerful God, but blindly 
hewed them out gods of stone, and built groves in 
their high places, and called on their images to 
save ; “ yet can they not answer or save them out 
of their trouble !” 

The last of the priests had but just entered the 
temple, when, bursting through their ranks and 
uttering shrieks of terror, a woman, one of the 
dancers, threw herself before the statues ; it was 
Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite — the roses which 
nad wreathed her lank locks, had fallen on her 
shoulder, and the white fillets were waving in dis- 
order over her sallow shrivelled cheeks in bright 
contrast to their tawney hue. “ 0, Baal, save us !” 
she cried in distraction. “ Now save us, for the 
enemy is upon us !” A chorus of shrieks arose 
from the women without, who came pressing con- 
fusedly into the temple. “The Canaanites are 
upon us !” they cried — “ 0 Moloch shield us !” 

Eager to save themselves from the invaders, the 
priests hastily closed the iron-studded doors of the 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


37 


temple, heedless of the many shrieking women 
whom they thus cruelly shut out. Their hopes of 
admission vain, the worshippers fled to the groves 
or down tlm hill, followed by the affrighted oxen, 
and their yBthful leaders. 

Jael arose from the ground and endeavoured to 
pass out of the door. “ 0 my child !” she cried — 
“ my Zillah is without — 0 let me go forth and shield 
her, or die with her !” 

The priests however were bent upon saving them- 
selves from harm, and the wailings and passionate 
entreaties of the miserable mother were unheeded 
by hearts as hard as the marble gods they wor- 
shipped. 

At last the shouts of the enemy and cries of their 
victims were hushed, and the noise of trampling 
steeds receded. The temple doors were slowly 
opened, and their safety being ascertained, the 
priests of Baal came forth. There was nothing to 
be seenflear them, but afar off they descried a band 
of horSnen riding rapidly away, each bearing a 
captive upon his horse ; while behind them the 
sacred oxen were goaded onward by a powerful 
escort. As the last of the horsemen turned the 
wood which hid them from sight, it was perceived 
he bore away upon his horse a young girl, who, 
with arms uplifted, was loudly calling for aid. In 
4 


38 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


her struggles a scarlet girdle fell to the ground; 
Jael swiftly ran down the hill, and hurriedly ex- 
amined it. 

“ They have taken my daughter !” she cried, with 
a burst of woe — “ 0 Zillah, that I cou^ftave died 
to save thee !” 

Prostrate upon the ground, the miserable woman 
threw dust upon her head, invoking curses upon the 
Canaanites, and vowing deep vengeance for this 
cruel wrong. 

During these troubles the Judge of Israel died, 
and Deborah became a “ mother in Israel.” Debo- 
rah, the widow of Lapidot.h, was a woman of a 
strong and masculine mind ; more capable of ruling 
the affairs of the nation than many of her country- 
men. Of this they were well aware ; and came to 
her for counsel in any emergency. The piety of 
Deborah was great, and her God had bestowed upon 
her the gift of prophecy ; thus using her as ^neans 
of keeping the faith in Israel, and dravfHf her 
country-people from the dreadful crime of idolatry, 
into which they had fallen. The grief of Deborah 
at their delinquency was great ; as she foresaw the 
certain punishment' their guilt would bring upon 
them. The present distress with which the country 
was afflicted, had been threatened them by their 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


39 


prophetess ; but she was unheeded except by a few, 
who still worshipped at the tabernacle which was 
stationed at Shiloh. 


Jabin, king of the Canaanites, who had once been 
defeated by the Israelites, and who retained his city 
of Razor by paying tribute, had lately, according to 
Deborah’s prediction, been stirred up by the Lord to 
make war upon Israel. He had harrassed them 
sorely, as seen above, by maraudering parties led by 
his general Sisera. During the confusion which 
prevailed, every one came for counsel to Deborah ; 
and in course of time she was elected Judge of 
Israel. Her dwelling, which was near to Shiloh, 
was a long, low, stone building, arranged in a square 
around a court paved with marble. A piazza ran 
around this court, in front of the rooms, the pillars 
of which supported a balcony through which access 
was obtained to the upper chambers. From the 
centre of this court arose a lofty palm tree ; its 
smooth stalk bore no branches — but from the sum- 
mit, circles of enormous leaves, some eight feet 
long, spread out like a vast canopy, throwing a cool- 
ing shade over court and balconies. Beneath this 
tree was the favorite seat of Deborah the Prophetess 
and Judge of Israel. Here she commanded a view 
4)f all her premises, and here her people obtained 


40 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


ready access to her through a wide gateway oppo- 
site. 


One morning Deborah resorted to her favorite 
palm tree, and placed herself upon her usual seat, 
which was a long divan of costly structure, having 
cushions covered with embroidered silk. Her dress 
was a dark colored stuff of Damascus, having a 
deep border of gold embroidery, confined with a 
girdle wrought with scarlet and jewels; a bandean 
was around her head, from which projected a short 
horn of gold, supporting a veil of thin muslin of 
India, which fell to her feet. She was surrounded 
by many of her people who had come to her for 
judgment. A voice of wailing was heard outside 
the gate, when, followed by a large concourse of 
people, Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite entered 
the court. She wore a sack-cloth dress woven of 
black goats-hair, confined by a rope girdle, while 
her dark locks were thickly strewn with ashes. 

“ 0 help me, noble lady !” she cried ; “ help me, 
great Deborah! for I am stricken unto death!” — 
with a deep groan she sank on the ground before the 
feet of the Prophetess. 

“ What moves thee thus Jael ?” asked Deborah, 
raising her. “ Why art thou thus mourning in sack- 
cloth?” 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


41 


** My daughter, my sweet child Zillah, hath been 
carried away by the enemy !” she exclaimed weep- 
ing. Others joining their cries to hers, bewailed 
the loss of relative, or cattle, and entreated Deborah 
for help against the invaders. Deborah listened 
while the outrage at the temple, just related, was 
described, as well as many similar inroads of the 
Canaanites. 

“ Where didst thou say thou wast, Jael, when thy 
child was ravished from thee ?” 

“ At the temple of Baal, were we were going to 
sacrifice. O Deborah, hear the prayer of thy peo- 
ple ! Awake ! Collect an army, and punish the 
invaders of our land !” 

“ Is it to me, a worshipper of Jehovah, that the 
children of Baal come for succor ? Away ! Go to 
your gods for aid. I will not raise a hand to save 
you !” 

“ Nay Deborah, hear us !” they cried, “ give us 
soldiers to defend our villages, or we shall all be 
taken captive — we and our little ones !” 

“ And ye would be well punished for your sense- 
less idolatry !” said the indignant Deborah. “ Do 
you not know — have ye not heard, that God has 
sworn he will punish you if ye forsake him ? Have 
ye forgotten the words of holy Joshua who said, — 

‘ If ye forsake the Lord and serve strange gods 
4* 


42 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


then will he turn and do you hurt, and consume 
you !’ 

“ Had ye approached the Tabernacle of your fa- 
ther’s God at Shiloh, instead of resorting to the high 
places of Baal, ye might have heard the words of 
Joshua read, and these your sufferings fully foretold , 
yea foretold to be inflicted by this same nation. 
‘ Know for a certainty,’ saith Joshua, ‘ the Lord 
your God, will no more drive out any of these na- 
tions before you ; but they shall be snares and traps 
unto you and scourges in your sides, and thorns in 
your eyes, until you perish off this good land, which 
the Lord your God hath given you !’ Ungrateful 
people that ye are ! ye have forsaken a kind and 
powerful God, who hath ever cherished and exalted 
you, to worship metal and stone ! Did Baal lead 
you from Egyptian bondage ? Did Moloch enable 
you to conquer the nations around ? Did Ashtaroth 
place you in this plenteous land? ’Tis Jehovah 
hath done this ! O foolish and unwise people, do 
ye thus requite your Lord? Tremble then! for 
Jehovah hath given you up to destruction, and your 
false gods cannot save you ! ‘ Let Israel remember 

the days of old,’ saith Moses, 1 and forget not their 
God, or he will consume them !’ Hear the Lord’s 
words, ‘ I will spend my arrows among them : tney 
shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burn- 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


43 


ing heat, and with bitter destruction — sword without 
and terror within shall destroy both the old man and 
the virgin !’ ” 

While Deborah addressed her people, the mists 
of error departed from before their eyes ; and when, 
as one inspired, she thundered in their ears the 
denunciations of Jehovah against idolatry, and the 
words of his servant Moses, the fear of God and 
remorse for their sin smote upon their hearts. 

“We are guilty before the Lord!” they cried in 
terror. “ We will indeed serve the Lord our God, 
and his voice alone we will obey !” 

“ Away then !” cried Deborah. “ Prove your sin- 
cerity ! Cut down your groves, — throw down your 
images, — that the anger of the Lord be no more 
hurled against you. If ye truly obey him, I will 
pray him to raise up an army, and destroy your ene- 
mies from off the land.” 

The words of Deborah, whom they all reverenced 
as a Prophetess, so excited the people, that they ran 
hither and thither, stopping not, until all their tem- 
ples were demolished, groves hewn down and idols 
destroyed; the gods they had worshipped in the 
morning were broken into fragments and reviled in 
the evening. Deborah, like a wise Governor, was 
determined to take advantage of the newly awaken- 
ed zeal of her people, by assembling them, and lead- 


44 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


ing them against Jabin the King of Hazor. She 
sent for Barak the son of Abinoam, a valiant and 
faithful soldier, who had always distinguished him- 
self in fight. He came at her bidding and found her 
on her usual seat at the foot of the palm tree. 

“ I have had a revelation from the Lord God of 
Israel,” Deborah said to Barak. 

“ The people have turned from the error of their 
way, have left their gods and will worship Jehovah. 
The Lord hath revealed to me he will accept them, 
and will chastise those who have afflicted his cho- 
sen people. He commands thee to assemble an 
army and attack Jabin the Canaanite.” 

Barak looked irresolute — “ I will essay my best 
in this matter” he said “ but I fear it will be no light 
thing to lead the people against the Canaanites. 
Thinkest thou we can attack Jabin ’when the enemy 
hath not left a shield or spear among us ; and when 
he hath nine hundred chariots of iron V* 

“What, Barak! knowest thou not we have the 
J_jord on our side ? What are spears and chariots to 
Jehovah ? Thou art as the spies who feared the 
Amalekites. — ‘ We are not able to go up against this 
people ; for they are stronger than we !’ they said — 
and what replied Joshua. ‘ Fear ye not the people 
of this land — their defence hath departed from them 
and the Lord is with us — fear them not!’ Thus 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


45 


also saith Deborah — fear them not. Assemble ten 
thousand men of the children of Zebulon and Nap- 
thali and the Lord will deliver Jabin’s host into thy 
hand. Ascend to the fort upon Mount Tabor and I, 
Deborah, to whom the Lord hath given dominion 
over the mighty, will draw to the river Kishon, Sis- 
era, the Captain of Jabin’s army with his chariots 
and multitude ; and there I will deliver him into thy 
hands.” . 

The great humility of Barak, and his conscious- 
ness of Israel’s guilt, led him into the error of doubt- 
ing, — he feared there was no mercy to be hoped 
from God, or help from Deborah. “ The people 
have been so terrified and subdued by the Canaan- 
ites,” he said — “ that they will not assemble at my 
call. If thou wilt go with me, then I will go, for 
the people will believe the Lord hath sent thee ; but 
if thou wilt not go, then will not I.” 

“ I will go with thee, O faint of heart !” said the 
heroic Deborah, “ but know, for this thy want of 
trust in God, he will take the victory from thee and 
give it to another. The Lord hath revealed to me 
he will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman, and 
I, Deborah will reap the honor.” 

Daborah arose immediately to prepare for her 
journey. Sandals of leather embroidered with 
scarlet and jewels were laced upon her feet ; a 


46 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


turban guarded her head from the sun ; and a large 
mantle was folded around her. At the gate her fa- 
vourite animal awaited her ; a white ass, one of 
those which on account of his hue, was reserved for ' 
princes and nobles alone. This gentle creature 
was gracefully proportioned, its legs were long and 
slender, and its body covered with a coat of glossy 
silvery hair. Accompanied by Barak, and a train bf 
followers, Deborah made a tour of the country ; 
exhorting the people to arise and go to battle against 
the King of Canaan. Her words and appearance, 
enabled her soon to assemble ten thousand men ; 
which was all she required. These she placed 
upon mount Tabor to lie in wait for the enemy. 

According to her promise, Deborah drew Sisera 
and his troops to the foot of Mount Tabor. She 
caused the fact of the assembling of Israel to be 
told to Jabin, who sent Sisera with a large body of 
men towards the river Kishon. Deborah and Barak 
had in the mean while ascended Mount Tabor, 
where their men were concealed in the fort or 
among the groves, from the observation of the 
enemy. 

Mount Tabor arose in an abrupt, cone-shaped hill, 
many hundred feet above the plain of Esdraelon — 
its sides were clothed with oaks and sycamores, 
and its summit crowned by a fortress. On the 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


47 


walls of this fort Deborah stationed herself to look 
out for the enemy. Here the whole land of Israel 
seemed spread out before her. Below, she looked 
down upon the verdant plains of Galilee, watered 
by the Kishon and Jordan, and surrounded by a 
band of mountains ; while on one side glittered the 
sea of Galilee, and on the other stretched the 
bright waters of the great Mediterranean. The sun 
of that day, on which the Prophetess had predicted 
the approach of the Canaanites, was declining, when 
she descried their advance guard emerging from a 
defile between two of the hills bordering the Gali- 
lean sea. The plain was soon covered with their 
numerous host. Onward they came, band after 
band ; their iron chariots rumbling as the roaring of 
the great deep in a storm. At their head came 
Sisera. His chariot was overlaid with carved gold, 
and adorned with gay painting, while from each side 
projected a glittering scythe. Three white horses 
bore him swiftly on ; their backs covered with 
steel armor, and their heads decorated with a high 
ornament of feathers and painted leather. Sisera, 
a tall and powerful man, was standing in his chariot 
supported by his spear. His body was completely 
covered with a closely fitting suit of mail, formed 
of golden scales — a bow and quiver hung at his 
back ; a dagger in its brazen sheath was suspended 


48 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


by chains from his crimson girdle ; while his head 
was protected by a helmet of leather wrought with 
gold. An armor-bearer sat at his feet, by the side 
of his charioteer, who bore his sword, and shield of 
leather, bound and studded with brass. Sisera en- 
camped his band for the night on the banks of the 
Kishon, intending to attack the Israelites in the 
morning. 

That night Deborah spent alone in the battle- 
ments, buried in meditation and prayer. Pious as 
she was, Deborah was mortal, and, as she reflected 
upon all she had done for the Israelites, and looked 
around upon the army she had collected, and on 
the ruined idol-fanes dimly visible in the moon beams, 
which at her command fell to the ground, — and 
thought upon the victory promised her, a feeling of 
triumph swelled her heart, and she forgot she was 
but an instrument in the hands of the Lord. “ O 
my soul, thou hast trodden down strength!” she 
said. “ Sisera, thy hours are numbered ! thou art 
mighty in men of war, and in chariots and horse- 
men, but our God hath spoken ! and the horse and 
his rider will be overthrown this night. Thou shalt 
fall by the hand of a woman, and Deborah’s name 
shall resound in the land !” Deborah now sought out 
Barak — “ Awake ! Arise Barak !” said she. “Up ! 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


49 


for this is the hour when God deliver Sisera into 
my hands.” 

The Israelites were soon assembled in front of 
the fort. The priests then stood before them to 
address them according to the commands of Moses, 
‘ When thou goest into battle before thy enemies 
O Israel !’ they said, ‘ and seest horses, and 
chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid 
of them ! for the Lord thy God, is with thee, which 
brought, the out of the land of Egypt.’ 

‘Hear O Israel!’ said another, ‘ye approach 
this day unto battle against your enemies — let not 
your heart faint — fear not, and do not tremble ! nor 
be terrified because of them ; for the Lord your 
God is he that goeth with you, to fight with you, 
against your enemies to save you.’ 

“ Is there a man here,” cried Barak advancing — 
“ that hath built a new house and hath not dedicated 
it ? Let him return to his house lest he die in bat- 
tle and another dedicate it ! Is there here a man 
who hath planted a vineyard and hath not eaten of 
it ? Let him, also, return to his house lest he die in 
battle and another man eat of it ! Is there here a 
man who hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken 
her ? Let him return to his house lest he die in 
battle and another man take her !” 

“ Is there a man here,” cried Deborah, looking 
5 


50 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


upon the assembled band, “that is fearful and faint- 
hearted ? Let him return to his house lest he infect 
his brethren, and their heart be as faint as his.” 
With one voice the people yowed to face the foe 
manfully ; and were immediately led down the hill. 
In the dead midnight hour, the Canaanites were 
awakened from a sleep they had indulged in from 
contempt of their foe, by tremendous shouts. A 
terrible clangor of trumpets was in their ears ; they 
arose in a fright, and in looking up beheld the lights 
the Israelites carried, which to their alarmed imagi- 
nations seemed stars descending from heaven upon 
them. A panic prevailed. “ The stars are fighting 
against us !” they cried — “ Hear the shouting of 
their angry God ! Let us fly !” Sisera and some 
of his officers rallied their men, and led them against 
the Israelites. The little band was sorely oppres- 
sed ; but God, who was fighting for them, now 
brought a new and terrible enemy against the Ca- 
naanites. 

While engaged in combat they suddenly became 
aware they were standing in'water. They looked 
around — it had risen to their knees — the chariots 
were filled and their ranks could hardly keep their 
feet. At once they rose a terrible cry. “ The river ! 
the river is rising ! Fly ere ye perish !” The chil- 
dren of Israel had been early warned by their 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


51 


Prophetess, and had retreated up the Mountain ; but 
the unhappy Canaanites, after struggling awhile with 
the waves, were, with all their mighty host, swept 
away and drowned. 

Sisera fled in his chariot, but finding the waters 
rising fast, he abandoned it, and ran up a neighbor- 
ing eminence. For many hours he wandered about, 
and when the dajr dawned, found himself at some 
distance from the scene of action. He was in the 
plain of Zaanim. Before him he beheld an en- 
campment of tents, which, from their peculiar con- 
struction, he knew belonged to the Kenites, and he 
felt assured of safety. At the door of one stood a 
woman towards whom he ran for protection. Pur- 
sued by an avenging God, Sisera had been sent to 
the tent of his foe. It was the encampment of 
Heber the Kenite, whose family had joined the 
Israelites, and she to whom the marauder flew for 
safety was his bitter enemy Jael. She recognised 
him at once as the ravisher of her daughter, and the 
oppressor of Israel, and rejoiced to see him ap- 
proaching. 

“ Turn in my lord ! turn in to me,” she said. He 
gladly entered, and threw himself exhausted upon a 
pile of mats which she spread for him. 

“ Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink,” he 
said, “ for I am very thirsty.” 


52 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


Jael opened a skin bottle and poured him out some 
milk, and gave him with it bread with butter in a 
dish of carved gold which her husband had taken in 
war. After he had eaten, she at his request threw 
over him a pile of clothes to conceal him from view. 

“ Stand in the door of the tent, good woman,” 
said Sisera, “ and if any man doth come and enquire 
of thee ‘ Is any man here V thou shalt say, ‘ No.’ 
If I am saved this day it will go well with thee, for 
Jabin shall reward thee, and give thee a place in his 
palace. Then thou mayest rule the Israelite women, 
for there are many in our houses whom we have 
carried away captive !” 

Jael, repressing the various emotions with which 
her bosom was bursting, when she saw her enemy 
in her power, now, in a voice of affected indif- 
ference, asked “ Saw ye any thing my lord, of Zil 
lah, a young girl, who was taken from the temple of 
Baal when the sacred oxen were carried^ away ?” 

“ Aye, indeed — she is in my house, and is as 
goodly to look upon as the goddess Ashtaroth. 
When I left home, I made a vow to Moloch to sa- 
crifice her, and several others at. his altar, if he 
brought me safe to Hazor again.” 

Jael rushed from the tent. “ Now God I thank 
thee !” she cried, “ that my enemy and Israel’s op- 
pressor is in my power. Zillah, thou art saved ! for 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


53 


Sisera shall not return. In thy place he shall be 
sacrificed to the gods ! Moloch ! I devote him to 
thee ! Baal ! give strength to my arm ! O Jehovah, 
pardon me ! why call upon false gods ? thou alone 
art the only true God, and now that thou hast given 
me my enemy in my hand, I will worship thee 
alone.” 

Jael returned to the tent and lifted up the curtain 
of the door-way. Her enemy was plunged in a 
deep slumber. F earful some of his followers might 
wander there and rescue him from her hand, and 
knowing her daughter’s life was the price of his 
safety, she resolved to put him to death, and thus 
render Israel free from one who had cruelly used 
them. She tore out one of the large nails with 
which the tent ropes are fastened to the ground, and 
with a hammer smote the robber on the head. In 
triumph Jael rushed from the tent — Barak was riding 
rapidly past. 

“Ho! Barak!” she cried, “come, and I will 
shew thee the man thou seekest.” Batak followed 
her into the tent, and beheld, dead before him, Sisera, 
the redoubtable oppressor of Israel. “ Praises be 
to God !” he cried, “ who hath this day subdued Ja- 
bin, King of Canaan, before the children of Israel ! 
Truly did Deborah declare he should die by the 
hand of a woman. I thought the prophecy alluded 


54 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


to her, but to Jael is this honor due. Come with 
me, that I may show Deborah and the Princes this 
thy noble act.” 

The next morning saw Deborah at the height of 
her glory and popularity. She was again seated 
under her palm tree, surrounded by the princes and 
nobles of Israel, who gave to her the honor of free- 
ing Israel from their oppressors. Deborah’s heart 
bounded, but checking all pride, she S2id — “ Not to 
me, — not to Deborah be the glory, my lords ; let us 
ascribe it all to our merciful Jehovah, of whom I am 
the humble instrument. But where is our good 
general Barak ? Is he still in pursuit of Sisera ?” 

‘ Behold where he comes, followed by a train of 
people,” said the Prince of Issachar. Deborah 
looked up, and beheld Barak approaching, leading 
Jael ; both were crowned with garlands, followed by 
men bearing a corpse upon a bier, and women 
dancing, and singing triumphant songs. 

“ Behold the deliverer of Israel !” cried Barak. 
“ Sing praises to Jael, for she hath slain Sisera, the 
enemy of Israel. Blessed above women be Jael the 
wife of Heber !” 

Jael was hailed as Israel’s avenger, by all the peo- 
ple, when the death of Sisera by her hand became 
known. For one moment a pang smote the heart 
of Deborah when she thus saw the glory given to 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


55 


another, but she was a woman of too lofty a spirit, 
and devoted piety, to envy another. “ I am punish- 
ed,” she said, “for ray proud thoughts of yester- 
night.” Throwing off all feeling save joy for the 
death of Sisera, she approached and greeted Jael, 
as a saviour in Israel. Then taking her timbrel, 
burst out in the following triumphant song : — 

Deborah’s song. 

Praise ye the Lord, he was Israel’s ayenger, 

When the people came up in the face of the foe. 
Hear, O, ye Kings ! and give ear, O, ye Princes, 
While my song to the praise of Jehovah shall flow. 

Lord when thou wentest out of Seir and of Edom, 
Earth trembled, the clouds and the heavens dropped 
dew ; 

Mountains before thee were shaken and melted ; 
And veiled in her mists, Sinai shrank from thy view ! 

In the days of Shamgar, the bold son of Anak, 

The highways were filled with our Canaanite foes : 
The villages ceased, and the people were scattered ; 
When I, as a mother in Israel, arose. 

They chose new gods, and our Lord sent them wars, 
And Israel was rifled of spear and of shield ; 


56 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 


Our rulers came forward and opened their stores, 
And the riders of White Asses entered the field. 

Ye, whom the enemy’s archers have stricken, 

The acts of our righteous Jehovah rehearse ; 

He to our succor hath swiftly arisen, 

And hurled at the foemen his withering curse. 

Awake, awake Deborah ! wake thee and sing ! 
Arise, Barak ! son of Abinoam, rise ! 

To us hath dominion o’er Israel been given, 

And I am the guide of the mighty and wise. 

The children of Ephraim came to our aid, 

And Machir, and Benjamin, also arose ; 

The Princes of Issachar stayed not away, 

And Barak, and Zebulon, fought with the foes. 

The children of Reuben came not to the fight ; 

Why did ye remain with your flocks and your herds ? 
For Reuben’s divisions were searchings of heart ; 
And Asher and Dan, were both deaf to our words. 

i# 

The kings came and fought, — the bold Kings of Ca- 
naan ! 

The stars were against them, and heaven their foe, 
And Kishon, the river, that ancient of rivers, 

Hath bidden his waves o’er their armies to flow. 


HEROISM OP DEBORAH. 


57 


Curse ye Meroz ! saith the angel of Heaven, 

Who came not to Israel’s help in his strait : 

But blessed be Jael, the wife of the Kenite ; 

Let her praises resound through the tent and the 
gate ! m 

He asked her for water, she gave him some milk ; 
And brought in a lordly dish butter and bread ; 

But the nail and the hammer were both in her 
hand — 

She struck the oppressor and smote off his head ! 

Lo ! on the ground he bowed down — he fell ! 

At her feet he bowed down, and lifeless he lies — 
While his mother at home gazes out for her son, 

* Why tarry his chariots V she mournfully cries. 

“Yea, have they not sped ?” her ladies reply; 

“ Soon will they come, and each man for his spoil, 

“ Will bring home a damsel or broidered robes, 

“ Wrought with rich colors — reward for his toil.” 

So let thy enemies perish Jehovah ! 

But thy people shine out as the sun in his might, 
When he riseth and spreadeth his banner in heaven, 
And Israel’s children rejoice in his light ! 

THE MORAL. 

One of the most striking features in the character 


58 


HEROISM OF DEBORAH. 



of Deborah, is her fearless avowal of the truth. 
While all the country was given up to idolatry, she 
upheld the religion of Jehovah. In the presence of 
the worshippers of Baal she was not ashamed to 
avow her own faith publicly, howevei* unfashionable 
it had become ; but declared herself decidedly upon 
the Lord’s side. Nor did she swerve from the duty 
of shewing them the error of their way but severe- 
ly rebuked them for their wickedness. Let us en- 
deavor to imitate her example, and when in the 
company of unbelievers testify to the truth as it is 
in Jesus, unabashed by sneers and unawed by per- 
secution. 

In judging the conduct of Jael, we must fake into 
consideration the rude age in which she lived ; the 
commands which the Israelites had received to slay 
the Canaanites if they would preserve themselves ; 
and the danger in which the country stood should 
Sisera escape. 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


“ In Rama was there a voice heard — lamentation and weep 
ing and great mourning — Rachel weeping for her children, 
and would not be comforted, because they are not.” Jere- 
miah , xxxi. 15. 

There was a voice of mourning in Moab. A 
young man revelling in the pride of youth and 
health, was suddenly cut down in his prime. Yes 
terday he trod the earth a bright and glorious crea- 
tine — now he lies helpless and motionless upon his 
flower-strewn bier. Around him are weeping 
friends ; and the wail of hired mourners is the only 
sound which disturbs the silence of the death cham- 
ber. 

At the head of the bier sat a melancholy group — 
his aged mother Naomi and her daughters-in-law. 
The years of Naomi had been many, but the days 
of her pilgrimage had not been cloudless. Still, 
grief had not bowed her down. Many a lightning 
shock had struck her and strewed the leaves of her 
beauty and torn away her branches, but firm, and 


60 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


trusting in lier God she bent to the blast only to arise 
more erect than before. 

Many years since a grievous famine drove her 
forth from her pleasant home in Bethlehem to seek 
subsistence beyond the Jordan ; although leaving 
her home for a strange land the hope and courage 
of Naomi failed not, for her husband Elimelech, 
and two sons, Mahlon and Chilion were with her. 
Elimelech being a man of rank, was well received 
by Eglon King of Moab, then ruler of Israel which 
he had lately conquered by his arms ; who bestow- 
ed his young daughter Ruth upon Mahlon his eldest 
son.* Their happiness was short — Ehud dethroned 
Eglon — poverty and death overtook the family of 
Naomi. Her heart was filled with sharp anguish 
but she knew her king Jehovah had called her hus- 
band and son, and her loyal heart submitted without 
a murmur. Mahlon her last son now lies a corpse 
before her, but yet she sits erect beside it. 

Cast upon the floor in anguish of soul, her head 
buried in her mother’s lap, Ruth, the widow of Mah- 
lon seems some tender flower, torn from its resting 
place, by cruel tempests, and clinging for support to 
the nearest thing. Orpah, widow of Chilion, sat on 
the other side of Naomi, wetting with her tears the 


* Talmud. 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


61 


long glossy tresses of the fair Ruth as she Jjent over 
to comfort her; or, looking up in wonder at the 
noble fortitude of the high souled Naomi. 

Although Naomi bowed not at the storms of fate 
there was a blight at the core. She" felt not her 
griefs the less that she gave them not utterance. 
' The heart knows its own bitterness’ — apparently 
calm she sat, beside the bier of her last cherished 
one, her eyes fixed upon the funeral linen which 
enveloped his body, hut her thoughts were sad as 
they recurred to her early home, her beloved hus- 
band and darling boys. Happier days arose before 
her, — loved forms came to view, and voices of cher- 
ished lost ones were sounding in her ear. Mourn- 
ful and lonely felt she then when the death trump 
summoning them forth aroused her, and the last link 
which bound her to earth, was torn away. Her 
heart yearned for her home and friends of other days, 
and she inwardly resolved to leave the land where 
she had suffered so much misery, and return to her 
loved Judea again. 

A few days after the burial, a train of camels was 
seen winding up the side of a steep hill which arose 
on the confines of Moab. It was Naomi with her 
daughters-in-law wending their toilsome way to the 
land of Judea. The females alighted upon the sum- 
6 


62 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


mit, and^diile supper was preparing under the Oak 
trees, advanced to the brow of the hill to gaze around 
them. They looked upon a gloomy scene. Before 
them lay the dead sea, dark, stern, and motionless — 
none could look upon its cold, still surface without 
a shudder. Bare, jagged cliffs, and hills of ever- 
lasting granite, arose from its shores, shooting up 
their sterile peaks in every direction. Orpah, and 
the Princess Ruth gazed with sadness upon this 
desolate scene ; but a mournful smile broke over the 
face of Naomi. “ My daughters” she said, “ behold 
the famed salt sea ! and beyond the hills of Judea ! 
my loved home I see thee at last ! Now Lord, let 
thy servant die in peace !” 

This distant glimpse of the land they had chosen 
for a home, was any thing but cheering to the forlorn 
young strangers ; and turning from it with a sigh, 
they gazed out over the verdant plains of Moab 
adorned with the glittering waves of the silver Ar- 
non ; over rich vallies, noble temples, and cities now 
lighted up by the suns last rays. 

“ Oh Moab, my country !” cried Orpah, stretching 
her arms towards it, while tears rushed over her 
face — “ beautiful Moab, I shall never see thee more ! 
for the last time I gaze upon thy hills and palaces !’* 

Ruth gave not way to the passionate grief of her 
sister-in-law, but stood with her arms crossed in 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


63 


resignation over her perfect form ; her lovely cheek 
pale with surpressed emotion, and her dark eyes 
fixed mournfully upon the home she had left, thus 
brightly contrasted with the one she was seeking. 

Naomi gazed upon her daughters-in-law, and her 
heart reproached her for accepting their dutiful of- 
fer of accompanying her to Bethlehem. They were 
young and had many years of life and happiness 
before them ; why should she tear them from their 
home and friends to follow her footseps to a strange 
land? “My daughters,” she said advancing tow- 
ard them “ pardon the selfishness of age and sorrow. 
I have suffered my griefs so far to usurp all feeling 
— all thought — that not until now have I seen the 
extent of the sacrifice you are making, in leaving 
your homes to accompany me. Return beloved ones 
ere it be too late, each to her mother’s house ; there 
you will find wealth, and repose, while with me will 
be toil and care ; — and the Lord deal kindly with 
you, as ye have dealt with the dead and with me !” 

Ruth without speaking, threw herself into Naomi’s 
arms and wept. For one moment a flush of joy 
passed over the face of Orpah, but checking it she 
turned to her mother-in-law. “ Nay mother,” she 
said “ ask us not to leave thee, for thou art old and 
lonely, and we will return with thee to thy land.” 

“ Not so my daughters. I have not many years 


64 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


to live, but ye are young and should marry again. 
In a strange land, alone, what would ye do if I 
should die and leave ye. I have no more sons to 
give you to protect you when I am gone.” 

“Mother of my Mahlon !” said Ruth raising her 
head from Naomi’s bosom where she had wept in 
silence — “ Oh bid me not leave thee ! with thee is 
every recollection of past happiness, past, never to 
return ! I have gazed with thee on his form in its 
pride, and with thee have I wept in despair over 
his bier ; can I then lose the light of that face and 
that voice which ever brings his remembrance to 
my heart V 9 The mother and widowed daughters 
lifted up their voices and wept. Soon, however, 
Naomi resumed her solicitations, and Orpah after 
many passionate adieus, turned from her lonely 
mother and sister, and departed — but Ruth clave to 
her. “ Ruth my daughter,” said Naomi mournfully, 
“ behold thy sister-in-law hath returned to her peo- 
ple and her god ; follow her then ere it be too late.’> 

“ Entreat me not to leave thee !” exclaimed Ruth, 
pressing her mother’s hand to her lips — “whith- 
er thou goest, I will go ; and where thou lodgest, I 
will lodge! Tell me not of my people and my 
god, for thy people shall be my people, and thy 
God my God. Mother ! where thou diest I will die, 


HEROISM OP RUTH. 


65 


and there I will be buried — and the Lord judge me 
if aught but death part thee and me !” 

Hour after hour passed away, and all were buried 
in sleep, except Naomi and her faithful daughter-in- 
law. Upon the brow of the hill they still remained 
in deep converse on high and holy matters ; for Ruth 
had asked her mother to instruct her in the faith 
of Israel. 

Her memory stored with the traditions of her 
people, Naomi poured into the wondering ear of the 
young Moabitess, the extraordinary history of her 
race. She spoke of the pure first pair — of their 
fall — of the tremendous deluge which swept away 
the earth’s inhabitants — of holy Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob — of the dealings of God with the Egyptians, 
for the sake of his own peculiar people. She paint- 
ed his love for them, which led them through the 
Red sea — their long and wandering journey — and 
told of holy Moses, who led them on their perilous 
way into the promised land which lay before them. 
When the heart of her young proselyte bounded 
with joy at the thought of being numbered with a 
people so favored by a powerful God, Naomi said 
— “ Nay fall not into that error which has been fatal 
to so many of our tribe. Jehovah is a God of love, 
and has showered down blessings upon us, and has 
6 * 


66 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


placed us in this lovely land, but presume not upon 
this love — forget not my daughter that he is also a 
God of justice, and spares not his own, even his 
chosen, when they offend. That dark and mysteri- 
ous lake which lies below us, is an awful monument 
of his wrath. See, far ahead — around — its waters 
spread — all that waste space was once a lovely val- 
ley decked with many a city and goodly palace — 
now all is destroyed, by fire, and by rolling waves. 
Over its sombre silent waters never has vessel sailed 
or aught living passed ; for, below in its vast depths 
those cities lie, strewn with the bones of their guilty 
dead. Old men have said that in their young days, 
those few who have been bold enough to penetrate 
the desert and barren rocks which bound its polluted 
shores, have dimly seen when the sun shone strong 
upon its surface, columns and roofs and porticoes far 
beneath.” 

Ruth clung to Naomi’s arm in silent dread. “ Even 
his servant Moses God spared not. Moses his cho- 
sen leader of the Israelites once failed in his duty, 
and, as a punishment, was not suffered to enter the 
land of promise. Daughter, seest thou yon dark 
mountain, dusky Nebo, upon whose top daylight is 
just breaking ? there Moses climbed and gazed upon 
the home of his people which he had so striven to 
reach, but which he was never to enter ; and upon 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


67 


that Jordan he was never to pass. How he must 
then have mourned that weakness, which, after all 
his toils, gave to another the glory and the victory. 
In the recess of that mountain Moses laid down and 
died.” 

“ The God of Israel is a terrible God,” whisper- 
ed the awed Ruth. 

“ Only to those who err my child. Were we but 
farther on my journey, I could point thee out the 
spot where the pure remnant of our tribe reaped their 
reward. Oh could I but have beheld them as they 
crossed over Jordan! What a glorious . sight my 
child ! At God’s command the waters parted — our 
priests led the way, bearing the holy Ark of the cove- 
nant, which in turns they supported as they stood in 
the river’s bed until the people of Israel had passed. 
There were the sons of Levi in their snowy robes — 
the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manassah, armed for 
battle — the children of Issachar with their tents, and 
the sons of princely Joseph.” “ A wondrous show, 
indeed my mother.” 

“ And when we shall pass the Jordan’s bank I 
will point out the towers of ruined Jericho — what a 
glorious array was there my daughter ! How must 
the hearts of its people have sank within them when 
they beheld our numerous host — our glittering war- 
riors and train of priests bearing the Ark and other 


68 


HEROISM OP RUTH. 


symbols of our religion? Seven days did the migh» 
ty host of Israel march in solemn silence around the 
devoted city — in silence unbroken, save by the trum- 
pet’s warning note. The funeral march and death 
trump ceased not until the seventh day — then one 
mighty shout went up from all the host, and with a 
sounding crash, the walls of Jericho lay low ! — ‘ Hap- 
py art thou O Israel ! who is like to thee’ saith the 
holy Moses, ‘ O people saved by the Lord, the shield 
of thy help, and the sword of thy excellence — thy 
enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou 
shalt tread upon high places.” 

With mingled emotions of joy and sorrow Naomi 
stood upon the shores of Jordan. That stream so 
celebrated in the history of her nation, told of home 
and country. She remembered the day when she 
had passed it with her husband and children — but 
now she had returned old, poor and lonely. Re- 
pressing these feelings, she strove to cheer up Ruth 
— plucking for her the oleanders and myrtles with 
which its borders were adorned, and pointing out to 
her notice the broken walls and ruined fanes of 
Jericho ; never to be rebuilt under pain of God’s 
curse. A dark spot were these gloomy ruins upon 
the fair plains stretching around it, now rich with 
ripened harvest, and gay with the bright anemone 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


69 


and far famed Rose of Jericho. A toilsome journey 
among hills and ravines brought them in sight of 
Bethlehem. Yon green hill clothed with rich 
groves of olive trees, and crowned with graceful 
clusters of stately white buildings is indeed her 
home ; but where are those whose noble forms were 
at her side, when, ten years before she had left 
those walls ? The gate of Bethlehem was a noble 
structure, whose cool deep arch was the favorite re- 
sort of the citizens for the purpose of talking over 
the news of the day, or of gazing upon the travel- 
lers who passed through there. Some of the friends 
of the bereaved widow were then seated there, who 
gazed at her with earnest eyes as she rode along. 
Time and sorrow had done much to change her, but 
she was recognised at last. “ Naomi ! can it be ?” 
they cried. “ Welcome, long lost Naomi — thy 
name speaks truly now for pleasant art thou to our 
sight once more.” 

‘ Call me not Naomi , my friends,’ said the widow 
— £ call me Mara , for bitterly hath the Lord dealt 
with me. I went out full and the Lord brought me 
home empty. Why then call my name Naomi , see- 
ing the Lord hath testified against me, and the 
Almighty hath afflicted me.’ 


Once more settled in her native home, the widow’s 


70 HEROISM OF RUTH. 

humble calmness returned. Her friends were re- 
joiced to see her, and flocked around her, endea- 
vouring to alleviate her sorrowful lot. The years 
of famine and trouble which they had seen, left 
them little to give — but her own, and Ruth’s indus- 
try, placed them above want. 

Without the city gate arose a lordly mansion, sur- 
rounded by fields and groves. This belonged to 
Boaz, a rich man, and relative of Elimelech the hus- 
band of Naomi. To him She purposed to apply should 
she need succor, but for the present her humble wants 
were fully supplied. During the time of barley-har- 
vest Ruth observed her neighbours returning each 
evening laden with grain gleaned from the fields 
around — why should she not do the same and thus 
add to the comforts of her mother-in-law? It was true, 
her rank had prevented her from becoming familiar 
with these menial offices, but she had devoted her life 
to her mother, and determined to leave no efforts 
untried to soften her lot. Filled with these thoughts 
she sought Naomi. “ Mother,” she said, “ I see my 
neighbors returning each evening laden with corn ; 
let me, then, go into the fields, and glean after any 
one in whose eyes I shall find grace.” “ Go, my 
daughter,” said Naomi, “ and the Lord bless thy kind 
endeavors to lighten thy mother’s cares.” 

The next day Ruth passed out of the gate, her 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


71 


heart joyous with the idea of rendering her mother 
a service. It was a glorious morning, and one mo- 
ment she stopped to gaze out upon the fair and ex- 
tensive view spread beneath her. Over plain, hill, 
and vineyard the morning sun was glancing, but she 
turned from the beautiful picture and sighed, as her 
eye fell upon the gloomy waters of the Dead Sea, 
which lay darkly gleaming in the distance, for, be- 
yond its rocky shores arose the hills of her own 
loved Moab. She turned hastily away and sought 
the nearest farm. It chanced to be the estate of 
Boaz, her husband’s princely relative. Already 
were the reapers, each laden with a leathern bottle 
or gourd of water, hastening to their work ; and as 
they passed her, each turned to gaze upon her stately 
loveliness. Ruth enquired for the overseer, and 
proffered her humble request that she might glean 
in the fields that day. Pleased with her sweet 
gentleness he gave her the permission. 

Soon after, the gates were thrown open, and 
Ruth, looking up from her work beheld a stately 
man approaching. His tunic of the softest wool, 
his crimson silk girdle richly embroidered with gold 
and with silver, and his mantle of the finest linen, 
proclaimed him a man of rank and wealth. It was 
Boaz, the owner of the farm. u The Lord be with 
you,” he said to the reapers, as he passed. “ The 


72 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


Lord bless thee,” they answered him. Advancing 
to the overseer he enquired into the state of the 
harvest, and merits of the reapers. 

“ I see my orders have been obeyed, and ye have 
many of the poor gleaning after you,” he said. 

“ Ay, they know my lord’s kindness,” replied the 
overseer, “ and flock hither in crowds. The praises 
of the generous Boaz are ever in their mouths.” 

“ Nay, give God the praise,” said the pious Boaz. 
“ I but obey his words, given by his servant Moses, 

‘ when ye reap the harvest of the land, thou shalt 
not wholly reap the corners of the field, neither shalt 
thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest; thou 
shalt leave them for the poor and the stranger : I am 
the Lord your God,’ he saith. What lovely damsel 
is this who followeth the reapers ?” 

“ It is Ruth the Moabitess, my Lord ; daughter- 
in-law to Naomi, — a pious and worthy young wo- 
man, who, although her husband was dead, and all 
ties broken between them, yet left her home and 
friends to accompany her mother-in-law into a strange 
land, and since, hath been a daughter to her.” 

“ Naomi ! ah, I remember word was brought me 
the widow of my kinsman Elimelech had returned, 
but, the cares of the city, and other matters have 
driven it from my head. See to her well — let her 
glean among the reapers, for such piety deserves 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


73 

reward. Let her not follow the men, for she is too 
lovely, but place her among my maidens.” Ruth 
now approached, and Boaz called her to him. 

“ Hearest thou, my daughter ?” he said, “ wander 
not about the fields, but glean here in mine, and keep 
fast to my maidens. When thou art athirst ask the 
young men to draw for thee. I will speak to them 
that they treat thee well.” Ruth, grateful and sur- 
prised for this notice from the master of the field, 
knelt at his feet and bowed her head before him, 
saying “ How have I found grace in thine eyes that 
thou shouldst thus kindly notice a stranger ?” 

“ All thou hast done to thy mother-in-law since 
the death of thy husband hath been fully shown 
me,” said Boaz, “ and how thou hast left thy father 
and mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art 
come into a people thou knewest not heretofore. 
The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward 
be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under 
whose wings thou hast come to trust.” The heart 
of the grateful Ruth swelled within her. “ Let me 
always find favor in thy sight my lord,” she said, 
“ for thou hast comforted me and hast spoken friend- 
ly unto thy handmaid, although I be not one of thy 
maidens.” “ Come hither at meal-time,” said Boaz, 
kindly, “ and eat of my bread, and drink of our 
vinegar.” 


7 


74 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


At midday the reapers all assembled to dinner, 
accompanied by Boaz. Ruth was called, and was 
served by the master of the farm, who gave her 
parched corn, bread, and vinegar with water, suf- 
ficient. When Boaz departed, he gave Ruth into 
the care of the overseer, with a charge to the rea- 
pers to leave a little for her to glean as she followed. 
In the evening all departed, and Ruth with them. 
She had beaten out her gleanings which amounted 
to a bushel of barley. Smilingly she shewed the 
treasure to her mother-in-law, who, in surprise, ex- 
claimed, “ Truly, thou hast been successful, my 
daughter ! where wroughtest thou to day ? Blessed 
be he who thus favored thee.” “ The name of the 
kind man in whose field I gleaned, was Boaz,” Ruth 
replied. “ Blessed be the Lord who hath not ceased 
his kindness to the living and the dead,” said Naomi. 
“ The man is a near kinsman to us Ruth.” “ He 
will extend his kindness,” said her daughter, “for 
he bid me continue with his people until the end of 
harvest.” Keep, then, with his maidens, Ruth, and 
wander not in other fields. The Lord will reward 
thee, my child, for thy industry and thy piety.” 

The words of Ruth awakened a new hope in the 
aged widow’s heart. A way was opened, she trust- 
ed, to better the condition of the virtuous Ruth, and 
reward her for all her kindness. She remembered 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


75 


the law of Israel, which, when a man dies, obliges 
the next of kin to marry his widow and raise up an 
heir for his brother’s name and estate. Naomi had 
never hoped the lofty Boaz would many the humble 
Moabitess, as, if it were demanded he might escape 
by paying the penalty ; but now his great kindness 
to Ruth had inclined her to believe the beauty and 
virtue of her daughter-in-law had made an impression 
upon him, which would render him willing to accept 
her. 

Her views were explained to Ruth, who agreed to 
follow the directions of her mother, as she at once 
saw how much it would better the condition of 
Noami should her wealthy kinsman take her to 
wife. The repugnance she felt to banish her loved 
Mahlon from her heart, and take another in his 
place, was not for a moment cherished ; for, when 
the heroic Ruth resolved to leave her home and 
friends to comfort the declining years of her hus 
band’s mother, she inwardly vowed her own wishes 
iuld never be placed in opposition to those of 
>ami. 

“ Our kinsman Boaz winnoweth barley, to night, 
ithe threshing floor” said Noami to Ruth. “Wash 
ayself, therefore, anoint thee, and put thy raiment 
upon thee and get thee down to the threshing floor ; 
make not thyself known to him until he hath done 


76 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


eating and drinking ; when he lieth down, mark the 
place, and when he is asleep, lift up the mantle 
which covers him and lie down at his feet under 
cover. In our nation it is a token thou claimest the 
fulfilment of the law and his protection. 

“ All that thou biddest me I will do,” said the obe- 
dient Ruth “ for on thy judgment I place implicit re- 
liance.” 

That evening Ruth took her way to the farm of 
Boaz The threshing floor was a large level space 
in the field, surrounded by low walls and barns. It 
was now piled with grain, among which the reapers 
were bysy, some driving oxen, others beating it out 
with a flail, or tossing it on high that the wind might 
blow away the chaff, while the grain fell in a heap 
on the ground. Boaz was there directing, and oc- 
casionally assisting his men. At night-fall they all 
partook of a feast together, master and men. When 
all were satisfied, they departed, some to their houses 
in the city, some to rest among the straw under the 
wide spreading trees. Boaz had eaten and drank, 
for his heart was merry while thus feasting with his 
men, and being weary, he threw himself upon a 
heap of straw and spreading his large mantle over 
him was soon asleep. Ruth, who had been con- 
cealed now approached. She feared not to follow 
her mother’s directions, for she knew the wise Naomi 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


77 


understood the customs of Israel well. Softly she 
came, and lifting his linen mantle, laid herself down 
beneath its folds. At midnight, Boaz, in turning 
himself, awoke and discovered a woman at his feet 
— a woman who evidently had a claim upon him, 
for she had sought the protection of his mantle. 
“ Woman ! who art thou ?” he exclaimed in surprise 
and dread. 

“I am Ruth thy handmaid,” she answered. 
“ Spread therefore thy skirt, over me, for thou art 
the nearest kin to my husband.” 

When Boaz became aware it was the lovely and 
virtuous Ruth who thus sought him as a husband, 
his heart warmed towards her. His gratitude was 
great that she had preferred him, almost double her 
age, to the many young men who admired her. 

“ Blessed be thou, my daughter,” he said “ for 
thou hast shewn more judgment and kindness in thy 
latter end than at the beginning, as thou followest 
not young men, whether poor or rich. Now my 
daughter fear not, I will do all thou requirest me, 
for I am thy near kinsman, and all the city dost 
know thou art a virtuous woman. Still Ruth, there 
is a nearer kinsman than I, whom thou knowest not ; 
tarry this night, and in the morning I will speak with 
him, and if he will perform unto thee a kinsman’s 
part, and take thee to wife, it is well ; let him do a 
7 * 


78 


HEROISM or RUTH. 


kinsman’s part according to law ; but if he will not 
perform his duty to thee, then will I, as the Lord 
liveth ! Lie down until morning.” 

Ruth laid quietly at her kinsman’s feet until day- 
break, when she gently arose to withdraw. Boaz, 
who was awake, called to her. “ Hold out thy veil, 
and take a measure of barley,” he said, “ Go not 
empty to thy mother-in-law.” 

Ruth was enveloped in a large linen wrapper, 
used as a veil, one end of which she held out, while 
her generous relative poured into it six measures of 
barley. Then, receiving his blessing, she hastily 
returned home. 

The hope of obtaining the beautiful and virtuous 
Ruth for his wife, so animated Boaz, that he took 
measures to have the business settled immediately. 
That day he appointed ten of the elders of Bethle- 
hem, to meet him at the city gate. It was the hour 
when he knew the other kinsman of Elimelech 
would be there. He had saluted the elders, and 
they had taken their seats when the kinsman ap- 
peared. “ Ho, Peloni ! turn aside and sit down 
here,” cried Boaz. He obeyed the call, supposing 
some business was to be transacted, and seated him- 
self in front of Boaz beside the elders. Boaz ad- 
dressed him thus. 

“ Naomi, who has lately returned from the land of 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


79 


Moab, intends selling a lot of ground which belonged 
to her husband, our kinsman Elimelech. Thou art 
nearest of kin, and I thought thou wouldst like to 
purchase it, that it go not into a stranger’s hand. 
If thou wilt redeem it, it is well ; if not, I, who am 
next of kin to thee, will redeem it.” The kinsman, 
after thanking Boaz, declared himself willing to take 
it. Boaz had hoped he would refuse, and thus let 
the matter be settled. He said — “ With this land 
goes an incumbrance, if I may so call it — for with 
it, thou must take Ruth the Moabitess, as this land 
was inherited by her husband, Mahlon, since dead ; 
thou must take her to raise up an heir to inherit 
Mahlon’s land, according to our Jewish law.” “ Nay, 
that I cannot do,” said the kinsman, “ lest I mar my 
own inheritance by bringing in a wife and more 
children to maintain. I give thee my right as next 
of kin, for I cannot redeem it.” 

Boaz willingly agreed to take the land and Ruth 
In fulfilment of the law used on all such occasions, 
he plucked off his kinsman’s shoe, in token he took 
from him the inheritance. Then turning towards 
the elders, and people who were gathered around, 
he said with a loud voice — “ All ye assembled here, 
are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that 
was Elimelech’s, and all Chilion’s, and all Mahlon’s 
of the hand of Naomi ; moreover, Ruth, the Mo- 


4 


80 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


abitess, the widow of Mahlon, have I taken to be 
my wife, to raise up the name of 'the dead upon his 
inheritance, that his name be not cut off from among 
his brethren, and from the gate of his city. Ye are 
witnesses this day !” 

The elders, and assembled people answered, 
“ Yea, we are witnesses !” 

When all were silent, one of the elders spake in 
a solemn voice — “ The Lord make this woman, that 
is come into thy house, like Rachel, and like Leah, 
which two did build the house of Israel ; and do 
thou worthy in Ephratah, and be faithful in Bethle- 
hem ; and let thy house be like the house of Phazer 
of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this 
young woman.” 

Then did the heart of the aged Naomi rejoice ! 
once more she hoped to see her children around 
her, and the joy of her youth renewed. 

Ruth was married to Boaz, and lived a long and 
happy life with her husband and mother. All that 
wealth and affection could bestow was lavished 
upon the aged Naomi. Her ardent wish to behold 
a child of Ruth, and heir of Mahlon, was gratified, 
for a son was born to Ruth. The neighbors of 
Naomi gathered about her to offer their congratula- 
tions. “ Blessed be the Lord,” they said, “ who 
hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, and 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


81 


that his name may be famous in Israel. He shall 
be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and nourisher of 
thy old age ; for thy daughter-in-law, who. lovcth 
thee, and who is better to thee than seven sons, 
hath borne him.” 

Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, 
and became its nurse. 

Thus did the virtuous Ruth reap the reward of her 
heroic sacrifice of home and country, to solace the 
declining years of her aged, poor, and afflicted 
mother-in-law. She partook of the promise made 
to Abraham, and in her seed were all the nations of 
the earth blessed. From her were descended Da- 
vid the king ; a man after God’s heart — Daniel ; 
beloved of the Lord — and above all, our blessed 
Saviour, according to the flesh, Jesus Christ the 
Redeemer. 

THE MORAL. 

The beauty of filial piety is brightly portrayed in 
the character of Ruth. It was no light thing to 
leave home, and friends, to accompany an old wo- 
man to a strange land ; and to devote her time, and 
her young days to the task of soothing the declining 
years of desolate old age. Born to princely rank, 
according to the Jewish Rabbis, she refused no 
menial service, not to glean with the poor in the 


* 


82 


HEROISM OF RUTH. 


fields, in order to add to the comforts of her sorrow- 
ing mother-in-law. With what gentle obedience 
she obeyed her every command ! — She undertakes 
at her bidding the difficult and delicate task of re- 
minding Boaz of his duties towards her as her kins- 
man. This conduct appears in our age very singular 
and questionable, but we must remember the customs 
and laws of the Israelites were very different from 
our own, and that which seems improper in this day 
was then most commendable. May we all look 
upon our female aged relatives with the kindness of 
the pious and humble Ruth. 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE BANQUET. 

“ Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointment : Let 
no flower of the spring pass by us : Let us cover ourselves 
with rose-buds ere they be withered .” — Wisdom of Solomon. 

’Twas night in Persia. Elam’s burning god had 
passed to other lands, leaving his starry train “ to 
rule the night.” Arcturus and all his sons were 
out — Orion and the Pleiades, shedding soft brilliancy 
over many a perfumed vale, mountain and desert 
lone. Gently their rays were flung over the stately 
city of Susa, and fairy gardens of the Royal Palace. 
Here, flowers, rare and lovely, were giving forth 
their fragrance to the night. Myriads of roses, 
jas’mines, myrtles and sweet oleander — glowing 
pomegranate, almond, graceful chinar and citron, 
were gathered in gorgeous groups, or bending over 
the silvery and gushing fountains. 


84 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


A royal banquet hall arose in this sweet Eden. 
Gorgeous in its magnificence, it was worthy its royal 
master. The floor was a rare mosaic of marble 
and porphyry and alabaster, which gave it the glow 
of a rich painting. Pillars of marble encircled the 
apartment, suspended to which by silver rings were 
hangings of rich stuffs, of white and green and 
scarlet, looped up with silver cords. A table in the 
form of a crescent occupied the centre of the room, 
covered with every rare viand and delicious fruit, 
with delicately sculptured vases and cups of gold 
and silver set with precious stones ; bearing the 
most exquisite wines of Helbon and Damascus, the 
sweet water of Choaspes, sacred to the royal table. 

Around this luxurious board, reclining upon silver 
couches covered with purple cushions, where the 
chief nobles of the court of Artaxerxes. In the 
centre was the monarch, arrayed in robes of scarlet 
and purple, adorned with gold and jewels, and wear- 
ing the royal tiara, of cloth of silver and purple 
silk twisted, which bore a short plume, erect in front. 
Next the king, sat his seven councellors, the heads 
of the seven noblest families in Persia, descendants 
of the conspirators against the usurper, Smerdis, 
the Magian, and privileged, in memory of the con- 
fusion of that hour,, to wear the plumes which dec- 
orated their white linen turbans, a-slant. 

! 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 85 

A dazzling light was thrown over the richly la- 
den table by silver chandeliers, while the hall re- 
sounded with music and merry laughter. This was 
the seventh day of the royal feast — a feast given 
by the king to all his officers and nobles, in com- 
memmoration of the peace which his unremitted ef- 
forts had procured to the one hundred and twenty 
provinces of his vast kingdom. Silence was com- 
manded at the table, and the king spoke : 

“ This is the last day of the feast, my lords,” he 
said, “ let it in joy and mirth exceed the rest. Stint 
not the wine, ’tis parent of wit and merriment. 
And yet I would not force your will — let it be the 
law of our feast that none drink in courtsey more 
than it pleasureth him.” 

Loud applauses followed this gracious address 
from their monarch — the golden flagons were replen- 
ished, and jeweled cups flashed in the light. 

“ Still it becometh not me,” continued the king, 
“ to argue in the praise of wine, for* what sayeth the 
writer,* ‘ It reduces the king, the infant, the poor and 
rich, to one level. It maketh the heart so joyous 
that monarchs and governors are no longer feared 
— the love of friends and kindred is forgotten, and 
swords are often drawn between them.’ ” 


1 Esdras. 
8 


86 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


“ Bravely hath my lord spoken of wine,” said his 

favorite, Mamucan, who sat next to him ; “ it is truly 

% 

a potent thing, and readily masters man, the lord of 
the earth. But, if I dared hazard an opinion, there 
exists a more powerful thing than wine.” 

“ What may that be, Mamucan V said his royal 
master. “ Say on !” 

“ It is the king ,” said the favorite. “ Man is lord 
of the earth, you say ; he planted the vineyard and 
maketh the wine, and doth not the king command 
all men ? If he command to kill, they kill ; if he 
command to spare, they spare ; If he bid them to 
go to war, to break down mountains, walls, and 
towers, it is done ; if he command to make desolate, 
to build, to cut down, to plant, man obeyeth him. 
Confess, then, all ye who hear me, that the king is 
the most powerful thing in the world.” 

“ Yes, wine is strong and the king is strong, but I 
know what excelleth both in power,” said prince 
Admath. • 

“ Speak on,” said the king. 

“ It is woman, my lord. If mankind rule the 
world, doth not woman rule him ? He that planteth 
the vine, and the king who commandeth sea and 
land, owe their existence to her. A man leaveth 
his mother and country for his wife. For her he 
will hold as dust all gold and gems and every pre- 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


87 


cious thing of the earth. Will not a man labor more 
faithfully for the woman of his love than for his 
king? Yea, he will rob, and spoil, and brave the 
dangers of the sea, the fury of lions and the terrors 
of darkness, to gain treasure to lay at a woman’s 
feet! Men have lost their wits, have become 
slaves, have sinned and have perished for woman’s 
sake. Even the king, commander of the earth does 
not he in turn obey a woman ? Have I not seen his 
fair slave, Apame, sitting beside him on the throne, 
taking the crown from his august head to place upon 
her own ? — nay, even strike the monarch unchidden ! 
Have I not seen him fear her anger, and even flatter 
to be received into favor again ? Then acknowledge, 
O king ! and ye, O lords ! that woman hath more 
power than wine or the king.” 

Universal applause crowned the orator who had 
so skilfully advanced the claims of the female sex 
to sovereignty. He was declared conqueror in the 
debate, and the sparkling cups were once more 
filled high- to the honor of woman. A momentary 
silence succeeded the clamor, during which a deep 
sigh was heard in the apartment. All started at this 
unusual sound in the banquet hall, and the king, 
turning, beheld beside him his cup-bearer, a Hebrew 
captive, who stood with his arms folded in his lin- 
en mantle, his eyes fixed pensively on the ground, 


88 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


and his whole figure so expressive of mournful 
musing, as to present a complete contrast to the 
merry and gaily dressed courtiers. 

“ How now, Nehemiah ?” said the king, “ why 
art thou so sad ? Why this heart sorrow when all 
are so gay ?” 

“Let the king live for ever!” said the captive 
Hebrew ; “ and let my lord not rebuke me, for why 
should not my countenance be sad when the place 
of my fathers’ sepulchre lieth waste, and the gates 
are consumed with fire ?” 

“ Nay, do not mar our joy by thy gloom. Cheer 
up, Nehemiah — come, tell us which thou thinkest 
the strongest in the world — wine, the king or wo- 
man ?” 

“ They are all excellent in strength, my lord ; but, 
O king, there is something more powerful than 
these !” said the Hebrew. 

“ And what may that be V* asked the king, smiling 
to the courtiers, who all looked forward, expecting 
some amusement at the captive’s reply. 

“ Truth is stronger,” replied the Hebrew. “ Earth 
and Heaven bow to the power of Truth. In wine, 
and the king, and woman, is error and death ; but 
truth endureth always, and conquereth for evermore. 
True is the earth to her seasons, and swift and true 
the stars in their course. In the judgment of Truth 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


89 


there is no unrighteousness ; but the children of 
men are wicked. Truth is the strength, and king- 
dom, and power, and majesty of all ages. Blessed 
be the God of truth !” 

The Hebrew was silent ; a sudden awe fell upon 
the assembly, and they exclaimed, as if with one 
voice — “ Great is Truth and mighty above all 
things !” 

“ Well hast thou spoken, Hebrew,” said the king. 
“ I here pronounce thee conqueror in this our argu- 
ment, and will give thee any boon thou shalt ask !” 

The Hebrew, with a silent ejaculation to his God, 
knelt before Artaxerxes. “ If it please thee, O, 
king !” he said, “ let me be sent to Judea with 
power to rebuild our holy temple, and the God of 
Truth shall bless thee evermore !” 

“ Thy request is granted. Remind me of this to- 
morrow, and I will write the fitting orders.” 

With many thanks, and a heart filled with grati- 
tude to God, the Hebrew fell back behind his bene- 
ficent master. 

u The Hebrew is wise,” said the king ; “ but he 
has thrown a shade over our mirth. Come, fill up, 
my lords — let us drink to woman. I give you the 
fairest in Persia, Queen Yashti !” 

When they had drank, Prince Mamucan observ- 
ed : “ We drink to her beauty, my lord, upon our 
8 * 


90 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


faith in your taste ; for the lovely queen hath never 
blest our eyes.” 

“ ’Tis true,” said the king ; “ but you shall judge 
for yourselves. I will force you to acknowledge 
her preeminence. Bid the Lord Chamberlain ap- 
pear!” 

In the bustle of his entrance, Prince Carshena 
whispered into the ear of Mamucan : “ What have 
you done, prince ? You have sealed your own ruin ! 
The queen, already your enemy, will be incensed 
against you for suggesting this to the king, and she 
will leave nothing undone to work your wo. Nay, 
when the effect of the wine is over, the king will 
see his error, and you will be sacrificed to appease 
her.” 

“You are short-sighted, Carshena,” said the 
prince, coolly. “ Do you not see I am planning her 
downfall instead of my own ? Since she prevailed 
upon the king to give the government of Sardis, for 
which I sued, to her favorite, Haman, I have vowed 
her destruction. Fate now serves me. I have not 
worshipped Ahrimanes in vain. Yashti will refuse 
to come, for her spirit is high — the king will be en- 
raged, and I will so work upon his anger that she 
will be degraded from her ill-deserved state.” 

“ Repair to the Women’s Court,” said the king to 
his lord chamberlain, who stood before him. “ Bid 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


91 


Queen Vashti appear in her royal robes, with the 
crown upon her head, that all may behold her beauty 
and confess my taste unquestioned.” 

The chamberlain bowed and departed. Passing 
vhrough the starlit garden, whose fresh air and sweet 
odors were grateful after breathing the heat and 
fumes of the banquet hall, he was admitted 
through a large gate into a marble court, with its 
usual adornment of a whispering fountain and vases 
of rare flowers. Around this were built the rooms 
appropriated to the women of the palace. A large 
saloon fronted the gate, from which echoed the sil- 
very laugh and melodious tones of female voices. 

Here Queen Yashti held a feast to the ladies of 
the court, and the wives of those princes who sat at 
the king’s table. The walls of this apartment were 
richly painted, or adorned with delicate flower-work, 
carved in cedar and brightly gilded. Gorgeous 
Babylonian carpets were spread upon the marble 
floor, and the softened light of alabaster lamps, re- 
flected from silver mirrors, threw a gentle moon- 
like radiance over the room and its fair young 
group. 

A circle of ladies surrounded a table upon which 
was placed all that could tempt a fastidious palate. 
Grapes, and wine, and pomegranates, Arabian dates, 
and all that was rare and delicious was before them. 


92 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


Upon a raised seat sat Queen Yashti. Tall and 
commanding, she looked the sovereign. Her dress 
was of golden tissue, while from the royal tiara glit- 
tering with jewels, fell a rose-colored veil spotted 
with gold. 

When the chamberlain entered, she started in 
angry surprise. “ What means this intrusion upon 
our privacy ?” she said haughtily. 

The lord chamberlain, with a lowly obeisance, 
delivered the king’s command for her to appear be- 
fore the princes in the banquet hall. The queen 
gazed upon him a moment in silence, while her 
brilliant eyes flashed fire, the color grew deep upon 
her cheek, and her bosom was stirred with powerful 
emotion. 

“ Do I hear you aright, my lord ?” 

“You do, most royal lady. The king expects 
you.” 

“ Is the king mad ?” she cried with a burst of 
wrath, for her spirit was out in all its power. 
“ What ! doth he bid me, the queen ! descend from 
her state, to appear in the midst of a drunken revel ? 
Doth he bid a delicate lady come forth from her 
privacy to submit to the wanton gaze of his idle, 
half-inebriated courtiers ! Return, my lord — there 
is some mistake in this.” And the self-willed lady 
drew her veil around her and resumed her seat. 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


93 


panting with all the anger of outraged dignity and 
womanly delicacy. 

“Nay, royal Vashti, hear me,” said Harbona. 
“ It is the king’s command, and I dare not return 
without the queen.” 

“ How ! do ye stand arguing with me thus, as if 
ye deemed I would obey this insolent command !” 
and the diamonds in her tiara flashed not more 
vividly than the eyes of the ireful queen, while 
gazing upon the trembling eunuchs. 

“ You will not thus rebel against — ” began Abag- 
tha, but he was cut short by the enraged queen- 
rising from her seat, her glittering robes falling 
around her. 

“ Begone, slave !” she cried, stretching her hand 
majestically towards him ; “ begone ! and tell your 
king I will not come /” 

The chamberlain turned and immediately quitted 
the saloon. A great commotion succeeded his de- 
parture. Some gentle spirits shrank aghast at the 
daring of the queen ; but there were many there 
who applauded her lofty resolution. 

“ What, ladies !” exclaimed the princess Roxa, 
wife of Mamucan ; “ shall we be abject slaves to 
our husbands ? Shall they dare, when they may 
choose it, to drag us from our retirement ? Shall 
we have no reserves, no rights uninvaded ? Let us 


94 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


all imitate the strength of mind of our royal mis- 
tress, and resist all unlawful usurpations, if we 
would have any freedom left !” 

The noble Roxa is right,” said Princess Zeresh. 
“ As it is, we have not sufficient liberty. In other 
lands, woman is free to walk out, or attend assem- 
blies of both sexes, when she pleases, while we are 
shut up in our tiresome abodes, and watched and 
guarded like children. If our royal mistress had 
given way to this lawless encroachment of our 
rights, it would have become a precedent, and our 
lords would be sending for us, like slaves to amuse 
their drunken companions !” 

The fair orators were applauded, and encouraged 
by the example of their queen, high resolves were 
passed to resist their husbands’ orders when not 
agreeable, and even to demand from them more 
freedom. These wise observations were unheeded 
by the queen. She sat wrapped in her veil, plunged 
in deep thought, her bosom agitated with a variety 
of emotions. Now regretting, now applauding, her 
refusal to obey the king. She listened intently, ex- 
pecting the return of the chamberlains, or some other 
indications of the result of the step she had taken ; 
but nothing was heard except the chatting of her 
guests — and, exhausted with the violence of her 
emotions, she dismissed the ladies and retired. 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


95 


With trembling lips the chamberlains bore to the 
king his queen’s refusal to appear before him. The 
wrath of the king was loud and deep. “ She refu- 
ses to come !” he exclaimed. “ Is my royal will 
disputed ? Am I bearded by a subject in my own 
palace ?” 

Harbona advanced to allay the king’s anger, and 
spoke so judiciously of woman’s rights and immuni- 
ties, that his ire began to cool. This suited not the 
views of Prince Mamucan, and he sought to keep 
alive the wrath of the king. 

“ Truly, a fine example of obedience to our 
wives !” he said, with a sneer, to Carshena, but loud 
enough to be heard by the king. “I should not 
wonder if this breed a revolt in the Seraglio, and in 
future we shall by bliged to obey the women f” 

“ By Ahrimanes ! you speak the truth, Mamucan,” 
said the king, his anger reviving. “ If I submit to 
this I may never hope to rule my women again. 
What shall we do, princes, to punish the refractory 
woman ?” 

There was silence in the banquet hall — each one 
fearing to hazard an opinion on this delicate subject, 
lest the king should in future regret any harsh mea- 
sures he had undertaken at their suggestion — inter- 
fering between man and wife being proverbially 


96 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


dangerous. The wily Mamucan was the first to 
speak. 

“ If my lord, the king, will listen to the advice of 
his servant*” he said, humbly, “ no trifling punish- 
ment will have any affect. The women will all, 
no doubt, presume upon the daring of their mistress 
and give us trouble, and nothing will strike terror 
into their souls and reduce them to obedience, except 
the queen be repudiated .” 

The nobles were astonished at the boldness of 
Mamucan, and even the king seemed staggared at the 
proposal. 

“ Believe me, my lord,” continued the prince, fol- 
lowing up the blow ; “ it is the only measure to pur- 
sue. You may never hope to bend the lofty spirit 
of Yashti, and your other worn^p, taking example 
by her disobedience, will break all rule, and cost 
you much trouble to bring them again into subjec- 
tion. Yashti, the queen, hath not only done the 
king wrong, but hath stricken at the peace of the 
princes and people of Persia and Media ; and, in 
their name, 1 demand this sacrifice? When this 
deed of the queen’s shall be noised abroad, will not 
the women reply to their husbands’ commands — 
1 The king cannot force the queen to obey him, and 
shall we obey you V ” 

Still the king answered not. Several others now 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


97 


spoke, whose wives the haughty queen had offend- 
ed, or whose views she had thwarted ; recommend- 
ing the king to turn Yashti away and take a more 
pliant wife. 

“ This is good advice,” said Carshena, willing to 
do his friend, Mamucan, a service. “ Let the king 
take a more blooming maiden. Queen Vashti is old 
and her temper soured, a younger and fairer queen 
would be more gentle and obedient.” 

Others seeing the king’s eyes sparkle at the 
thought now warmly advocated the measure, each 
recommending some young bestuty to the king’s no- 
tice. This advice was well received by the king; 
and requesting his Seven Counsellors to meet him 
the next day, he dismissed the assembly. 



CHAPTER II. 


THE CANDIDATES. 

“ Who can find a virtuous woman ? For her price is far 
above rubies.” — Proverbs , xxxi. 10. 


Soon a decree went forth into all the hundred and 
twenty provinces over which Artaxerxes reigned, 
written in the various languages of the many nations 
9 


98 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


there congregated, that Vashti, the queen of Persia 
was repudiated for refusing to comply with the 
king’s commands. It further declared that, under 
penalty of the like fate, all women are commanded 
to obey their husbands, that every man might rule 
in his own house. • 

This decree was enrolled among those laws of the 
Medes and Persians that were voted unalterable. It 
was further commanded that the fairest maidens of 
the land should be brought to the palace of Artax- 
erxes, in Susa, that the king might choose another 
queen. The fate of Yasthi was thus soon decided ; 
and she was sent from the palace in disgrace. Her 
followers, the revolutionary chieftainesses, lowered 
their standards in token of submission, and silence 
and fear reigned in the Women’s Court. 

How gentle a touch will sometimes set in motion 
the machinery of the world ! These events, appa- 
rently unimportant except to the actors, were big 
with the fate of the Jews who were spread over 
Persia and Media. The refusal of a Persian queen 
to obey Her husband, prevented the massacre of 
thousands of innocent persons, for it produced her 
removal from the throne, and placed upon it a He- 
brew maiden. Will the scoffer at an especial Pro- 
vidence, read this, and not trace in it the finger of 
God ? In His hand are the hearts of princes. He 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 99 

guides them to the accomplishment of his purposes. 
His “ peculiar people” were not forgotten. Lost, 
degraded, rebellious as they were, He still watched 
over them with a parent’s care. He willed not their 
total destruction, and “shortened those days” of 
death and sorrow for Abraham’s sake, from whom 
they sprang, and for His sake who should spring 
from them. 

In the suburbs of the city of Susa, by the river’s 
side, and concealed from view by a grove of stunted 
cypresses, stood a lone hut, formed of mud which 
was hardened in the sun, and thatched with date- 
leaves. Here resided Mordecai, once a man of 
wealth in Judea, but subsequently carried captive to 
Babylon with his King Jaconiah, when the country 
was conquered by Nebuchodnossor. Mordecai now 
gained a scanty subsistence by laboring in the city, 
and lived in this retired spot in order to escape no- 
tice. When the news of the king’s decree reached 
him, his heart bounded with joy. He now saw a 
way open for the advancement of his people, and 
with many a silent prayer and ejaculation of praise, 
he sought his home. The hut of Mordecai, wretch- 
ed as it was in appearance, contained a jewel of in- 
estimable value. Here dwelt a Jewish maiden of 
rare beauty, who, upon the death of her father, was 
left to the care of her uncle Mordecai. Determin- 


100 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


ed to place his peerless niece upon the list of virgin 
candidates, he lost no time in seeking her. As he 
approached her apartments, he heard her voice ac- 
companied by the Psaltery. She was singing a 
mournful song, written by the Prophet Jeremiah, 
telling of the sorrows and wrongs of her country. 

How lonely s:*tteth Zion now ! 

How mournful and how desolate ! 

As some sad widow o’er whose brow, 

Stern sorrow rules in gloomy state. 

She who was princess o’er the land. 

And saw proud nations own her sway, 

Now seeks in vain some pitying hand 
Her weary, faltering steps to stay. 

There is no feasting in her hall — 

There is no laughter in the street 
Her maidens sigh in captive thrall — 

Her friends are scattered ne’er to meet. 

“Nay, Hadassah!” cried Mordecai, bursting in, 
“ cease thy mourning and sing a song of joy and 
thanksgiving. The Lord will have pity upon Judah, 
and Israel will again flourish as the cedar of Leba- 
non !” Hadassah gazed with surprise in her uncle’s 
face. He was completely changed. No longer 
dejected and mournful, he was now joyous and tri- 
umphant 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 101 

“ What hath thus excited thee, my uncle ?” she 
asked. In an exulting tone, he related the disgrace 
of Vashti, and the king’s command that the fairest 
virgins should be brought to the palace, that the 
king might choose from them a queen. '“And 
where shall he find a fairer than my Hadassah !” 
exclaimed her uncle. “ Where is there a skin of 
more delicate tint ? where a more glowing cheek ? 
where more lustrous eyes and glossy hair, or more 
stately form V 1 

Hadassah sank into a seat, and the boasted glow 
faded from her cheek. 

“ Why, how now, silly maiden !” said Mordecai, 
“ why is this ; wilt thou not be a queen !” 

“ Alas, no, uncle,” she said. “ Spare me this 
trial. My spirit shrinks from the giddy height you 
bid me attain. What ! leave my dearest uncle — my 
quiet home, and mingle with the corrupt and gilded 
slaves of a court ?” 

“ I looked not for this aversion, Hadassah ! Hast 
thou no ambition ? Think what it is to be the bride 
of a monarch ! to outshine all the maidens of this 
vast land !” 

“ Uncle ! would thou have me wed the uncircum- 
cised ! the enemy of our faith and oppressor of our 
people ! It cannot be that thou shouldst counsel this, 
mine uncle !” 


9* 


102 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


V It is for thy faith, and for thy people I would 
ask it. Thou art an instrument of the Lord for the 
salvation of Judah ! A Jewish maiden upon the throne, 
and the horn of Judea will be once more exalted. 
In my soul I feel thou wilt be the chosen of the 
king ; and then what power will be thine ! The 
injuries and extortions inflicted on our race, 
will cease, and we shall obtain instead, benefits, — 
perchance release- from captivity. Arouse thee, 
Hadassah ! Jehovah sends thee forth to save thy* 
people ? Like Deborah, and Judith, thou wilt stand 
forth in our annals as a saviour of our country. 
What! a Hebrew maiden, and refuse to obey her 
God !” 

The gentle maiden had always looked upon Mor- 
decai as her father, and obeyed his commands 
without a murmur — now urged by him, and called of 
God as she imagined, she no longer resisted, but 
sacrificing her private feelings, placed her fate in 
his hands. 

“ Tis well, my child,” said her uncle, fondly. “ I 
will immediately take measures for thy appearance 
in the palace. But let me impress upon thee, my 
daughter, the necessity of concealing thy faith and 
nation, or thou wilt not be received among those 
who despise us. No longer, Hadassah , my Hebrew 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 103 

myrtle , thou must now be a Persian Star , for in fu- 
ture I will call thee Esther .” 

The next day Mordecai sought Hegai, the lord 
Chamberlain, in whose care the candidates were 
placed. Concealing his relationship, he told him of 
a jewel “ worth all her tribe,” of whose abode he 
was acquainted, and offered to lead her to him, 
when he might judge if she were fit to enter the 
ranks of the candidate maidens. Hegai appointed 
a time and place for the meeting, and the sanguine 
Hebrew spent his last beral in purchasing rich robes 
to deck his favorite. The day arrived, and Morde- 
cai led Esther into the room where Hegai awaited 
them, and throwing off the veil which covered her 
person, gazed triumphantly into the face of the eu- 
nuch. And seldom was there a veil withdrawn from 
before so perfect a form and face. Clad in graceful 
robes, her rich, dark hair confined with a lustrous 
band of diamonds, her large, soft eyes, full of ele- 
vated thought, fixed firmly on the chamberlain — 
her whole figure expressive of majesty of soul, and 
lofty resolve mingled with sweet gentleness, burst 
with such sudden surprise upon Hegai, that he felt 
she must be the chosen of the king, and by a supe- 
rior power, he bent his knee as if in presence of a 
queen. Mordecai watched with rapture the effect 
of her charms, and giving her in Hebrew a last 


104 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

charge to conceal her religion, and stand firm in the 
cause of the Lord to which she was called, he 
threw the veil again over her, and consigned her to 
the hands of the lord Chamberlain. Placed in the 
woman’s court, Esther, with the other maidens, un- 
derwent the purification required by the king ; — six 
months with the oil of myrrh, and six months with 
sweet odors. The heart of Hegai was turned by 
the Lord towards the gentle Esther, and he placed 
her in the richest rooms, gave her seven attendants, 
and rendered her every kindness and advantage. 
To him, Esther spoke in favor of Mordecai, who, in 
consequence, received the post of porter to the king’s 
gate. This gave him access to the palace, and he 
walked every day before the women’s court to ob- 
tain from the slaves information of his cherished 
niece. The time of purification over, each maiden 
was led by turns into the presence of Artaxerxes. 
Many a lovely maiden was there of every nation. 
Bright glowing creatures from the gardens of Indus, 
the shores of the Caspian, and Araby’s sandy plains 
— from Babylon and Nineveh and Ecbatana — gay in 
attire, and smiling with hope they went forth, but 
returned, their fair brows clouded with the chilling 
consciousness they had not won the king. Esther’s 
turn came at last, and as clad in rich garments, she 
stood in her radiant and peerless beauty, awaiting to 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


105 


be conducted to the monarch, the assembled candid- 
ates knew their hopes for the throne was over. 

The eunuch arrived and gazed with delight upon 
his beauteous charge, for she had so won upon him 
by her gentle loveliness, that he felt a father’s inter- 
est in her. He took her small white hand in his, 
and led her into the presence of Artaxerxes. Like 
the evening star she beamed upon the king, all bril- 
liancy and softness. The monarch raised her as 
she knelt before him. “ Bring hither no more 
maidens, Hegai,” he said, gazing with ecstacy upon 
the lovely Esther — “ this is my queen — earth can 
give no fairer !” 

The important news soon flew over the palace 
and city. Esther was chosen queen, and the royal 
crown was placed upon her head. Mordecai re- 
tired to his humble dwelling and spent the day in 
prayer and thanksgiving to God for this signal favor, 
and to mourn the loss of his gentle Hadassah. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE FALLEN QUEEN. 

“ As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, 

So is a fair woman without discretion.” — Proverbs, xi. 22. 

In a large saloon, paved with marble, and lined 




106 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


with Lydian tapestry, belonging to a noble house of 
Susa — her face buried in the satin cushions upon 
which she lay, was a lady indulging in all the aban- 
donment of violent grief. A man richly clad stood 
in front of her, his arms folded in his purple mantle, 
gazing in silent contempt upon the agonized female 
before him. 

“ And this is the haughty Vashti !” he said at 
last. “ This weak, weeping woman is the daring 
spirit which ruled the court of Artaxerxes !” 

“ Rail on, my brother,” said the unhappy lady, 
raising to his, a face whose glorious beauty was 
dimmed with tears. “Your scorn, your contempt, 
can arouse me no more. My spirit is broken, my 
pride is gone, and the empress is lost in the woman.” 

“ Can it be possible you loved this man !” 

“ Yea, Haman, with all the fire of my nature !” 

“ Then why not obey him ? Why accuse fate for 
your misfortune when you have carved out your own 
destiny ? Proud and unbending, you offended the 
princesses, and made enemies of the nobles of your 
court, and could not curb your indomitable spirit 
even for the crown of Persia !” 

The sorrow-stricken queen offered no reply to her 
brother’s cruel reproaches, but too much exhausted 
even to weep, with closed eyes she leaned heavily 
back against the cushions ; her rich, dark hair no 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


107 


longer confined by the royal tiara, fell in disorder 
around her, and her long lashes lay upon a cheek of 
marble paleness. Haman walked impatiently about 
the saloon. — “ So well had I planned,” he said — • 
“ so long and cunningly worked to place you upon 
the throne, and now to have my nicely-reared fabric 
overthrown by your impatient spirit, is enough to 
drive me mad ! There is, however, one thing left, 
vengeance /” Yasthi started, and pressed her hands 
firmly upon her heart. “ Yes, vengeance, sister ! 
Wouldst thou not smile to see him low who wronged 
thee?” 

“ Oh, that I could tear this weakness from my 
heart!” exclaimed Yashti, passionately, “but, Ha- 
man ! harm him not ! I could curse myself for it, 
brother. I love him yet,” and with a shuddering sigh 
she once more fell back. 

“ Pshaw ! this is foolery ! What is thy love to 
me? ’Tis already whispered thou art in my house, 
and should it be discovered thou art my relative, my 
enemies will seize upon it as an engine to hurl me 
from the favor of this besotted king. I have not yet 
arranged my plans, but if I cannot work upon Ar- 
taxerxes to degrade Esther, and place thee again 
on the throne, he surely dies /” 

“Thou worm!” cried Yashti, starting from her 
seat, and fixing her dark, vivid eyes upon Haman— 


108 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


“ dare not to touch the sovereign of Persia with thy 
low-born hands ! He shall not die !” 

“ What, dost thou wish him to live, blessing thy 
rival with his love !” said Haman, with a sneer. 
** Already he dotes upon the beauteous Esther, 
while thou art despised and forgotten !” 

“ Forbear !” shrieked the fallen queen. “ Rend 
not my soul with such blasting images ! Hurl Es- 
ther from my throne, and let her taste all the bitter- 
ness I have tasted ! — ay, let me see her hated blood 
flow !” she cried fiercely, her eyes flashing with the 
dark emotions which swayed her bosom — all the 
woman lost in the dethroned queen — “ let me place 
my foot upon her neck, and then do with me, ay, 
with him , what thou wilt !” 

“ If I can ruin Esther in the king’s favor, or com- 
pass her death, wilt thou lend thyself to my con- 
spiracy ?” 

“ I will !” 

“ It may be, the death of the king will be requir- 
ed, and I may want some trusty and unsuspected 
agent, who can have access to him when he sleeps, 
to strike the blow in secrecy and security ; wilt thou 
be the agent V ’ 

“ I will !” and as she spoke the fire again fled 
from her cheek, and covering her face with her 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


3 09 


hands, she buried them in the cushions, her long, 
dark hair falling like a funeral veil around her. 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE KING’S DECREE. 

“ Thy tongue deviseth mischief ; 

Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” — Proverbs , iy. 2. 

Haman now aroused all his energy to compass 
his plans. Revenge for his sister’s degradation, and 
an ambitious wish to advance himself to power, 
were the mainsprings of his actions. His first step 
was to obtain the king’s confidence. This, with 
extreme cunning, he contrived to do. He was 
placed above all the nobles of the court ; and the 
king even sent forth a decree, commanding all, at 
the approach of Haman, to bow down and worship 
him as a god. Exulting in his success, Haman 
now, with renewed hope, endeavored to accomplish 
the destruction of Esther, hoping by his influence, 
to induce the king to place Vashti again upon the 
throne. 

Soon after the decree in his favor, Haman, clad 
in costly robes of purple and scarlet, on an Arab 
10 


110 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

courser, whose velvet housings were embroidered 
with gold, rode through the city, with a long train of 
followers, to satisfy his insatiable pride, by the ado- 
ration of all whom he passed. He rode loftily out 
of the gate, around which was collected a crowd of 
slaves and idlers, who bowed themselves to the dust 
at his approach, crying, “ Hail, Haman ! son of My- 
thra !” One alone stood erect, gazing with a calm 
brow at the pageant as it passed. Haman was as- 
tonished at his daring, but supposing him some 
stranger, ignorant of the king’s command, satisfied 
his malignity by frowning darkly at the offender. 
The next day the same thing occurred. All were 
prostrate except the stranger, who stood proudly 
with folded arms as Haman passed. The slaves 
who stood around and marked the anger of Haman, 
expostulated with Mordecai — for it was he — upon 
his singular conduct.. They urged the king’s de- 
cree, and the power of Haman, and warned him of 
the danger of offending the haughty favorite. To 
all this, Mordecai vouchsafed no reply, and when 
Haman again rode forth, stood among the kneeling 
group, like some tall tree, erect amid the wreck of 
forests. Haman was galled past endurance. 

“ What, slave !” he cried, riding fiercely up to 
to him, “ know you not the king's command ! down 
there and kneel before me !” 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


Ill 


“ I bow not to mortal, my lord,” said the Hebrew, 
calmly, “ to my God alone my knee is bent in adora- 
tion.” And folding his linen robe around him, he 
slowly strode away. 

Haman’s wrath was great, but his nature was 
wily, and detecting a smile among his followers, he 
smothered his ire, and rode on, devising some sure 
and cruel punishment to the man who dared to resist 
his will. Calling to his side one of his trusty ser- 
vants, he asked him the name of the offender. 

“ It is Mordecai, my lord, a Jew, and we do sus- 
pect a relation of the queen, for messages have gone 
between them, and Hegai said he brought Esther to 
the palace.” 

“ A Jew and relative of the queen !” thought 
Haman, “ Esther is in my power, and the throne is 
mine ! for Haman is not so weak as to work for 
another ; no, my fair sister, thou art but my agent, 
and when the king is dead, my faithful Macedonians, 
whom I have secreted in the city, will place me 
upon the throne of Persia!” 

Haman asked no more questions, but, bending 
over his horse, whispered to his slave 

“ Bring me the surety of all you say, and a golden 
darick shall reward you !” 

A few days after this, Haman rushed eagerly into 
his sister’s presence. 


112 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


“Joy! joy! Vashti!” he cried, “ thy rival is in my 
power, and thou shalt see her blood flow at thy feet !” 

“ Ha ! what sayest thou !” exclaimed the queen. 

“ I have discovered her well-kept secret at last. 
Yashti, Esther is a Jewess ! despised, captive He- 
brew !” 

“ Then shall I be avenged ! Haman ! I breathe 
free once more !” and shaking back her neglected 
locks, the face of Vashti beamed with triumph. 

“ Yes, she is of that hated, obnoxious race. As 
yet the king knows it not, nor shall he until my 
plans be arranged.” 

“ Quick, tell me all !” exclaimed the eager 
princess. 

“ Listen. By the many arts of which I am mas- 
ter, I will work upon the king against the Jews, 
then, taking advantage of some little disturbance 
which frequently occurs between these people and 
ours, because forsooth they cannot bear oppression, 
I will represent them as a dangerous race which it 
is the king’s duty to exterminate. I can guide Ar- 
taxerxes as a child, by his own good qualities ; for 
the benefit of his country he would sacrifice his 
dearest friend. A decree goes forth for the massa- 
cre of the Jews, — Mordecai and Esther share the 
fate of their people, — and Yashti mounts the throne 
of Persia !” 


4 

HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 113 

“ Oh, soul ravishing news ! Now I shall know 
that peace which fled my bosom while my rival 
lived and was beloved !” 

“ Yashti !” said Haman with a withering frown, 
“ remember thy oath ! If we require the king at thy 
hands, strike sure !” 

With a wild shriek, the unhappy woman fled into 
an inner room 


CHAPTER V. 

CASTING LOTS. 

“ the idols have spoken vanity, 

And the diviners have seen a lie, 

And told false dreams .” — Zachariah x. 2. 

In furtherance of his plan of destruction and 
blood, Haman now continually dwelt upon the cha- 
racter of the Jews who were spread over the king’s 
dominions, — he painted their restless spirit, and their 
former power, told of the riches which it was sup- 
posed they possessed, and exaggerated every little 
disturbance into which these injured people were 
led, and made it appear an act of rebellion. 

That nothing might be wanting to further his 
views, Haman resolved to employ every agent who 
10 * 


114 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


could be of any benefit to him in his wicked pur- 
pose to revenge his sister, and to possess the throne, 
An intense hatred towards Mordecai, who had braved 
his power, filled his malignant heart and urged him 
on to deeds of blood and desperation. 

Religion, ever a powerful engine in the hands of 
bad men, was one of the agents which Haman re- 
solved to make use of against the Jews. For this 
purpose he bent his way towards the Temple of the 
Sun. 

This noble structure was of white marble, grace- 
fully proportioned. It stood in an open space near 
the bounds of the city, and, as Haman approached, 
appeared to great advantage against the dark green 
back ground of the mountain which towered behind 
the town, while the setting sun cast a roseate hue 
over its sculptured pillars and portico. Haman as- 
cended the steps, passed through the richly carved 
doors of sandal-wood, and entered the temple. The 
centre of the edifice was filled with kneeling wor- 
shippers, whose faces were towards the east, but, 
who, in looking towards their god, were careful not 
to turn their backs to the sacred fire, which burned 
upon a large silver altar at the upper end of the 
temple. 

Before this altar the Magii were performing the 
service of the evening. He whose duty it was to 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER 115 

attend the sacred fire, wore a linen band over his 
mouth, that the dampness of his breath might not 
sully the purity of the holy element, brought from 
heaven by their prophet Zoroaster. The service 
seemed almost over, and Haman resolved to remain 
quiet until the worshippers were dismissed. He 
had never observed the faith of his Grecian fathers, 
for all creeds were the same to his corrupt heart, but 
as a means to power he had cultivated the favor of 
the priests, and had professed his wish to be initiated 
into the religious ceremonies of the Persian Magii. 
With contempt he now gazed upon the scene before 
him. There was no light in the temple save that of 
the sacred fire, which threw its red glare over the 
marble columns and white-robed priests ; over sa- 
cred vessels of gold, grotesque carving, and rich 
gilding, which adorned the temple. The deep si- 
lence was undisturbed except by muttered prayer of 
the Magii, or sigh from the bosom of some devout 
worshipper. These prayers over, smooth skins 
were produced from which were read portions of the 
Zend Avesta of their prophet, Zoroaster, after which 
the worshippers were dismissed. Some few lin- 
gered to purchase Zor , holy water — or drops of Horn, 
prepared from certain plants during the conjunction 
of particular planets, and of peculiar efficacy in 


116 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


sickness. At length all were gone, priest and wor- 
shipper, except Dejoces, the Arch-Magi. 

“ Ah, my noble convert !” he exclaimed, when he 
saw Haman advance. “ It is some time since you 
sought our temple.” 

“ True, holy father,” replied the wily noble, “ the 
cares and duties of a court have usurped my time. 
Now, however, I have come to devote myself to the 
pure doctrines of the fire worshippers.” 

“ In the first place, my son,” said the Magi, “ I 
must object to that designation of our religion. We 
do not worship fire, but merely hold it sacred, being 
a symbol of our god Mythra. It is a type of the 
Sun, which is the dwelling place of that supreme 
intelligence who is himself formed of light, and, 
like fire, self shining, pure, luminous. 

“ You have other gods, father ?” 

“.Blessed be Mythra! yes ; Orismades, the prin- 
ciple of good, formed of all pervading fire and pure 
water ; he is intelligent, active, beneficent. Wor- 
ship him, my son, but, at the same time, forget not to 
propitiate the Spirit of Evil, Ahrimanes. He is the 
opposite of Orismades, and with him rules the 
world. He is the source of all crime and misery ; 
and, as says the Avesta of our holy prophet, Zoro- 
aster, “ He is wicked, impure, malignant, and can 
never hope to attain goodness.” 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


117 


“ Pardon the question of your humble disciple, 
father,” said Haman, “ but will you deign to inform 
me of the purpose of the creation of this spirit of 
evil ?” 

“ He was created pure, but committing sin, fell 
from his high estate. Since then he is permitted to 
roam the world for a time, to prove the virtue of 
man, and to entitle him to the reward destined for 
him who shall come from the fiery trial of the 
tempter, unsullied. Beware of him, my son ! his 
influence is great ; and to strengthen his power he 
has created Deeves, evil spirits, to assail the heart 
of man with wicked thoughts.” 

Haman, conscious of evil thoughts dropped his 
eyes before the priest. 

“ We are not however left without aid against 
him,” said Dejoces, “ Orismades has also formed 
many new spirits to contend with the forces of Ali- 
rimanes. Among these are Ardibehests, the genius 
of fire and light, who watches over the sacred fires, 
that Ahrimanes may not extinguish them, and thus 
bring destruction upon all things ; Shamrivar, Spirit 
of the metal and mines ; Espendermad, guardian of 
the fruits of the earth ; the angel Kourdad, who 
watches over water which gives strength to man and 
to the soil ; Amerdab, genius of plants and trees.” 


118 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


“ Truly you lack not ministering spirits,” said Ha- 
man, with a concealed sneer. 

“You have not heard of half,” said the priest. 
« I have not told you of Honover ; of Rash-in- 
rast, genius of justice ; of Serooch ; Behram, armed 
with club and arrows ; of Dje ; Aboudad, the Man 
Bull ; of the F erohers ; of Kayomers ; Maschia and 
Maschiana ; Harfestes ; of the Spirits who reside in 
planets.” 

“ All this I will listen to, some other time, learned 
Dejoces,” said Haman, “ I must now return to the 
palace. This bag of gold, father,” he added, draw- 
ing it from beneath his purple mantle, “ I have 
brought to purchase perfumed wood for the Sacred 
Fire, that our Lord, Myrtha, may be inclined to open 
my heart to the pure faith, and receive me among 
his worshippers.” 

“ Thou hast done well,” said the priest, taking the 
gold with avidity, and secreting it, that he might ap- 
propriate it to his own private use. Would that all 
our nobles and rich men were as piously disposed. 
Truly we want it, and our offerings have been few 
of late.” 

“ How ! can it be possible the Holy Temple of 
the Sun is neglected !” said Haman, with affected 
alarm, “ it is then as I feared, and the idolaters are 
corrupting our people.” 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 119 

“ What sayest thou, Haman ! Idolaters !” 

“ Holy Dejoces, thou shouldst be more watchful 
over thy flock. Listen. The Queen is a Jewess, 
and beloved by Artaxerxes ; judge what reason we 
have to fear, as we have of late, the king will forsake 
his ancient religion, and patronize that of her people ! 
think of our temples turned to Hebrew fanes, and 
our priests removed to make room for the sons of 
Levi !” 

The alarm, the horror expressed upon the priest’s 
face, showed the effect of Haman’s communication. 

“ A Jewess !” he cried, “ curses upon the race ! 
Dogs ! Deeves ! may Ahrimanes clutch every soul 
of them ! may the hundred years of torment in 
burning liquid metal, reserved for the wicked, be 
extended to eternity for them ! Shall our temples 
be desecrated, our fire be extinguished for the spawn 
of Judah !” 

As the enraged Magi turned towards his sacred 
fire, the red glare flashed over his bronzed features, 
expressive of every evil passion ; he looked the 
personification of the Spirit of Evil he invoked, 
standing amid his own tormenting flame. Haman 
* saw with inward triumph the working of the poison 
he had instilled. He added every thing most likely 
to excite the priest against the Jews, and found him a 


120 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


willing agent for their extermination, as his own 
well being depended upon their destruction. 

“Yes let them die!” exclaimed Dejoces. “In- 
solents ! they pretend our religion is of later date 
than theirs and tell us our holy Zend Avesta was 
taken from their Bible, when all the world knows the 
worship of the sun, and the pure beings contained 
in it, is coeval with the existence of that luminary.” 

“It is true, father. Let us be wary, and our 
plans will succeed. Go now to watch the planets 
that astrology may give us its aid ; put up prayers to 
Mythra, Orismades, and Ahrimanes, that nothing may 
be wanting to assure us of victory.” 

After a long consultation upon their future mea- 
sures, the conspirators separated, and Haman took his 
way to the palace. 

“ Wise Haman !” he said, I have taken the right 
method to the sure accomplishment of my schemes 
by engaging this dolt of a priest in my service. 
Curse the fool ! doth he imagine he can bend my 
lofty intellect to give credence to his crowd of 
angels, and gods, and devils, and holy bulls ? Truly 
if I believe in any God, or put faith in any creed, it 
would be that of the Hebrew he thus scorns, with • 
his one eternal Jehovah, his wise lawgiver, and 
sublime prophets. But, there is no god , no future ; 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 121 

1 will not believe it, or I should go mad with the 
thought !” 

Finding himself near the king’s apartment, Haman 
threw into his countenance an expression of despair 
and rushed into the room, crying out, “Wo! wo 
upon Susa ! wo upon Persia and Media !” 

The king who was alone, started with alarm. 
“ Haman ! what moves thee thus ?” he exclaimed. 

“ Alas, my lord, our days, I fear, are numbered ! 
the glory hath departed from this land !” After ex- 
citing the king’s fears, Hainan continued, “I have 
just seen the head priest of the temple of the sun ; 
he tells me the gods are angry. Orismades hides 
his head, and it is feared Persia will be given up to 
the deadly agency of Ahrimanes !” 

“ How know ye this ?” asked the king. 

“ My lord, prepare to hear a prognostic of wo — 
the sacred fire hurneth dim!” 

The king started in astonishment and horror. 

“ So low,” continued the deceiver, “ that nothing 
will revive it ; and it is feared it will be extinguish- 
ed for ever ! Then wo upon Susa ! wo upon Per- 
sia!” 

Artaxerxes was a superstitious man, and as he 
listened to the artful tale, paleness sat upon his royal 
brow, and his limbs trembled. He remembered the 
fate of the nations around him ; for he had looked 
11 


122 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

upon fallen Tyre, and Jerusalem, and Babylon — and 
now he began to fear the doom of Persia was de- 
creed. 

“ Perhaps something might be done to propitiate 
the gods,” he said. “ Go, good Haman — seek the 
priests, inquire if any thing lies in my power, and I 
will do it.” 

“ I met Dejoces coming to see you, my lord,” 
said the lying Haman. “ He bid me say, he, with 
his brethren, will spend this night in prayer, and in 
studying the planets. He requests thy presence, O 
king, at the Temple to-morrow at sunrise. Then, 
when Mythra first manifests himself to the world, 
he will be most propitious, and the priests will then 
inform thee of the result of their nightly watching.” 

The monarch and his favorite sat late that night 
over their banquet, and the next morning early re- 
paired to the temple. 

City and valley were yet in the shade ; but the 
snowy peaks of the neighboring mountains were 
rosy with the sun’s first rays — which, as they as- 
cended the temple steps, rushed suddenly from be- 
hind the rocky barrier, and flooded the world with 
golden showers. The sacred fire, which had been 
purposely replenished with billets of wood, burned 
brightly and clearly as the king entered. 

“ How is this ?” he said. “I was told the holy 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


123 


fire burnt low, and, behold ! the flames reach to the 
roof.” 

“ It doth at present, O king,” said the high priest, 
who came to meet Artaxerxes ; “ but there are mo- 
ments when it burns so low, that I gaze in horror 
lest it be extinguished, and ruin come upon the na- 
tions in consequence !” 

“ How account you for this ?” asked the king. 
“ Have last night’s vigils discovered aught V 1 

“ It hath, O king ! Hear the rqvealed will of the 
gods. They are angry that this highly favored city 
is filled with accursed idolaters ? They stink in the 
nostrils of Mythra — and I have learned from my 
midnight studies, the sacred fire will be quenched if 
the land is not purged of their defiling presence.” 

“Ha! Idolaters — who are they ?” asked Artax 
erxes. 

“ The Jews, my lord.” 

“ The Jews ! they are esteemed a useful and 
peaceful people.” 

“ Let the king live for ever !” said Haman, ad- 
vancing. “ Even if it were not the gods’ decree, 
permit me humbly to suggest it would be for the 
king’s benefit to send away this people. They re- 
spect not the king’s laws, but abide by their own ; 
therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. 
If it please the king, let it be written that they be 


124 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of sil- 
ver into the treasury as some compensation for the 
loss of their services. They are scattered over the 
king’s provinces, mixing with the people, and teach- 
ing them to rebel against their royal master.” 

“ Speak not of expediency,” said the priest, stern- 
ly. “ It is the will of the gods to remove them, and 
who dare question it ? They must be exterminated, 
O king ! They dare to revile our sacred fire, their 
God they say has formed the sun, the residence of 
ours.” 

The king was awed — convinced. Caring nothing 
for the Jews, and willing to do the priests and his 
favorite a service, he at once consented to their 
wishes. 

“ The gods shall be obeyed ; he said. “ Haman, 
see that this troublesome race be immediately thrust 
from the city.” 

“The city! said Haman. “ They are spread all 
over the king’s dominion, and cannot be driven 
forth.” 

“ They must die, O king !” said the Arch-Magi, 
solemnly. 

“ Die ! What, all this people ?” 

“ Yes — all /” said the priest, sternly. “ They and 
their wives and little ones. Wouldst thou dispute 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 125 

the commands of Mythra? Wouldst thou deliver 
the land a prey to Ahrimanes ?” 

“You are then certain these Jews are the cause 
of the anger of the gods ?” asked the king, hesita- 
ting to consent to the massacre of so many of his 
subjects. 

At that moment the fire of the altar began to grow 
dim. It sank, and flashed and flickered until the 
former brilliancy which had lighted the temple gave 
place to a dusky, angry glare. The priests shriek- 
ed and tore their robes. 

“The sacred fire is going out!” they cried. 
“ The holy flame is extinguished ! Wo upon Per- 
sia ! wo ! wo !” 

“ ’Tis a Jew passing the temple !” cried Dejoces. 
‘ It ever sinketh thus when the idolaters tread with- 
in the precincts of the Holy Fane. Open the doors 
— let my lord be convinced.” 

The doors of the temple were thrown open, and 
lo ! before them stood a Jew ! Evidently he was 
passing the temple and had stopped to gaze upon it, 
and the doors opened so noiseless he did not notice 
the movement. The priests all sunk down ; kneel- 
ing and muttering their prayers around the silver al- 
tar, except Dejoces, who, pointing to the Jew, gazed 
triumphantly into the king’s face. The monarch’s 
hands were clasped, and pale and trembling, he gaz- 
11 * 


126 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


ed from the lessening fire to the priest and the idol- 
ater — while Haman turned away to conceal the 
sneering exultation with which he viewed the suc- 
cess of this, his well contrived artifice. 

The Hebrew’s white tunic was edged at the waist 
and bottom with blue ribbon, while a fringe of the 
same hue ornamented the linen wrapper which en- 
veloped his form. His face as he gazed up at the 
idolatrous fane was expressive of hate and rage. 
He shook his closed hand at the temple, crying : 

“ I spit upon the idol’s house ! Wo upon the 
fire-worshippers ! I hurl at them the words of holy 
Isaiah : 

‘ Behold ! all ye that kindle a fire, 

That compass yourselves about with sparks ! 

Walk in the light of your fire ! 

And in sparks that you have kindled. 

Know that I am the Lord ! 

I form the light and create darkness — 

Let the earth bow down before Jehovah !’ ” 

The closing of the doors startled the Hebrew, and 
he passed on. “ ’Tis strange,” he murmured to him- 
self ; “ have I mistaken the epistle ? Let me look 
at it again.” 

Opening a letter, the Jew read : “A brother from 
Jerusalem wishes to communicate important news to 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 127 

Mordecai, of the holy city. Meet me at sunrise be- 
fore the Portico of the Temple of the Sun.” 

“ Truly an unsavory place to speak upon matters 
relative to our holy city !” said Mordecai. “ I will 
take one more turn and peradventure he will arrive.” 

His correspondent came not, for the letter was 
written by Haman to further his unholy schemes ; 
and Mordecai, wearied and vexed, returned to his 
home. As the temple doors closed, the fire — se- 
cretly fed by the priests — shot up a brilliant flame. 

“A miracle!” cried the priests ; “ the Jew has 
departed !” They burst forth in a hymn of joy— 
and the king was vanquished. 

Haman knew his noble master well. He was a 
tender-hearted and just prince, and he knew it 
would be difficult to induce him to command the 
massacre of so many persons, unless he was con- 
vinced it was the will of his gods. By the machi- 
nations of Haman, and the priests’ juggling, he had 
been easily swayed to their will ; *and the wicked 
triumphed for a time. 

“ And now,” said Haman, “ let us oast lots before 
the altar, that we may see what day will be the 
most lucky for our undertaking.” 

“ Here are dice,” said Dejoces, “ upon which are 
marked the names of the months, and on these are 
the days. Throw, then, 0 king, in the name of 


128 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

Mythra — and that which is uppermost will be the 
day indicated by the gods as most propitious for our 
endeavors to cleanse the land from defilement.” 

The king threw, and the thirteenth day of the 
twelfth month, Adar, was turned up. Haman and 
the priests threw with like result. At the same mo- 
ment a ray of sunlight, from a concealed crevice in 
the wall, falling suddenly upon a crystal representa- 
tion of the sun, which was placed on high behind 
the altar, a brilliant glory filled the temple, as if the 
heavenly luminary itself had risen before them ! 

“ The god ! the god !” cried the priests. Mythra 
himself has deigned to shine upon us !” 

The credulous and excited king prostrated himself 
with the rest, believing the god of fire was actually 
present to smile upon their undertaking. All his 
scruples silenced, he willingly gave to Haman his 
signet-ring with power to act as he thought fitting. 
When he returned to the palace he sent letters to 
the governors of all his provinces, bidding them — - 
“ Destroy, kill, and cause to perish, all Jews, both 
young and old, little children and women.” Ex- 
hausted with the scene he had gone through, the 
king called for wine, and he and his worthless fa- 
vorite drowned all uneasy reflections in the bowl, 
w Put not your trust in princes.” 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


129 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE CONSPIRACY. 

“ Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water, for the de- 
struction of the daughter of my people .” — Lamentations 
iii. 48. 

The voice of mourning was heard over the vast 
dominions of Persia, when the king’s cruel decree 
was known ; the Jews fasted and wept, and “ the 
city of Susa was perplexed.” The Jewish people 
had lived so Jong among their conquerors, and de- 
meaned themselves so well, that they had found fa- 
vor in their eyes, and were bound to them by many 
ties of friendship and kindness. How then could 
they arise in cold blood and slay this innocent and 
forlorn people ? But the king’s decree could not be 
disputed, and all prepared to obey it. The despair 
of Mordecai was great. He rent his clothes, and 
putting on a garment of sackcloth, covered his head 
with ashes, and placed himself before the king’s gate 
uttering loud moans and lamentations. 

The queen, meanwhile, was ignorant of all that 
was to befall her people, nor knew she of her uncle’s 
distress, until informed of it by her maids and cham- 
berlains, who beheld him as he mourned at the gate. 


130 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


Unable to divine the cause of his sorrow, she ima 
gined it poverty, and sent him by a confidential at- 
tendant, an assortment of rich clothing, which she 
requested he would substitute for the black goat’s 
hair robe and rope girdle which he wore. He re- 
fused this, but related to Hatach all Hainan had 
demised against the Jews, and sent by him a copy of 
the king’s decree to the queen. He implored his 
niece, if she would save her people, to sue to the 
king for mercy. The lovely Esther was much dis- 
tressed at this news, and saw not how to obey her 
uncle’s request, for she knew it was death for any 
one to enter the king’s presence uncalled ; and thirty 
days had passed since she had been sent for. How, 
then, could she see him to implore mercy. This 
she caused Hatach to report to Mordecai, who wrote 
in reply these words : 

“ Think not thy life is endangered solely by en- 
tering the king’s presence. Remember thou art a 
Jewess, a secret of which Haman is possessed, and 
which his hatred to me and my nation will induce 
him to reveal to the king. Then hope not, by hold- 
ing thy peace to escape. Thou and thy father’s 
house will be destroyed. Fear not, Esther ! God 
hath sent thee to the kingdom at this time that thou 
mightest be a deliverance to Israel !” 

Esther hesitated no longer, but resolved to offer 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


131 


her life as a sacrifice to her country. She would 
brave the king’s laws and perhaps fall a victim to 
his anger; but she should have made an effort to 
save Judah from destruction, and, her duty done, she 
could die in peace. She returned this answer to her 
uncle : 

“ Go, gather together all the Jews that are at pre- 
sent in Susa, and fast ye for me. Eat not, nor 
drink for three days, night nor day. I and my 
maidens will also fast, and then I will go to the 
king, which is against the law, and if I perish— I 
jjerish.” 

The unhappy queen laid aside her royal apparel, 
and clothing herself in robes of mourning, entered 
her closet and uttered the following prayer. 

“ O ! Lord God of Israel ! thou only art our king 
— help me, a desolate woman, who has no helper 
but thee — it satisfieth not our enemies that we are 
in bitter captivity, but they have stricken hands with 
their idols, that they will abolish the faith that thou 
hast ordained, and destroy thy people, and stop the 
mouths of them that praise thee, and quench the 
glory of thy house and thy altar ! Give me eloquent 
speech in my mouth before the lion : turn his heart 
to hate him that fighteth against us, that there may 
be an end of him, and of all that are like-minded to 
him. Thou knowest all things, O, Lord; thou 


132 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


knowest that I hate the glory of the unrighteous, and 
abhor the bed of the uncircumcised — that I detest 
the sign of my high estate which is upon my head, 
and that I have not esteemed the king’s feast, nor 
drank of wine-offerings— neither hath thy handmaid 
any joy since the day that I was brought hither — 
but in thee, O, Lord God of Abraham ! Then hear 
the voice of the forlorn, and deliver us out of the 
hand of the mischievous ! Amen !” 

Three days did the sons of Israel in Susa, fast 
and pray to God to avert the calamity, and to soften 
the heart of Artaxerxes, that the queen might find 
favor in his eyes. On the fourth day, Mordecai di- 
rected his steps to the palace. It was yet early, and 
the palace gates were not open. Weary and faint 
with three days of fasting and of wo, he threw him- 
self upon the ground, and, concealed by the pillars 
of the . gate, indulged in mournful meditation and 
prayer. 

“ O Lord, the King Almighty!” he prayed, “the 
whole world is in thy power, and if thou hast ap- 
pointed to save Israel, there is no man that can gain- 
say thee. Thou knowest all things, and thou know- 
est, Lord, that it was neither in contempt, nor pride, 
nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow down 
to proud Haman ; for I could have been content with 
good will for the salvation of Israel, to kiss the soles 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


133 


of his feet. I refused this, that I might not prefer 
the glory of man above the glory of God : neither 
will I worship any but thee, O, God ! And now, O, 
Lord, our King ! spare thy people ! for their eyes 
are upon us to bring us to naught ; yea, they desire 
to destroy the inheritance that hath been thine from 
the beginning. Hear my prayer, and turn our sor- 
row into joy, that we may praise thy name ! Amen.” 

The meditations of Mordecai were interrupted by 
the arrival of two persons, whom he recognised as 
Bigthana and Teresh, two chamberlains of the court. 
They seated themselves near to Mordecai, and en- 
tered into conversation without perceiving him. 

“ Of all the villanous deeds which our employer, 
Haman, has been guilty,” said Bigthana, “ this mur- 
der of the Jews and the innocent queen are the 
worst.” 

“ Let them die!” said Teresh, gloomily, “they 
are Jews, and deserve death.” 

“ I care not much for the Jews,” replied Bigthana, 
“ but it does seem a pity this gentle creature should 
be massacred ; however, I am sure the king will 
prevent it.” 

“ His leave will not be asked,” said Teresh, with 
a sneer. “ In the confusion of the day it is my 
province to see she shares the fate of her people. 

12 


134 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


Haman hopes to excuse himself to the king after- 
wards, and even place Yashti upon the throne.” 

“ But if he should not be pardoned ?” 

“ Then the king dies. It is for this purpose 1 
sought thee at thy house, amd gave that vial. Three 
drops in the king’s cup, and Haman is king. I be- 
lieve, however, that is the fate reserved for him at 
every issue of this affair.” 

“ What a needless waste of life. Haman will 
never be king : think you our princes will suffer a 
stranger like the vile Haman upon the throne V* 

“He takes care of that. The Macedonians, who 
are ravaging the nations around, are his countrymen, 
and as a last resource he will call them to his as- 
sistance.” 

The guards arrived to open the gates, and the 
dark conspirators passed through. Their career of 
guilt had now, however, drawn to a close. Morde- 
cai, who had overheard all, denounced them to the 
soldiers as plotters against the king’s life, and they 
were speedily loaded with chains, and cast into a 
dungeon to await the king’s pleasure. An account 
of this event was despatched to Esther by Mordecai, 
who sent a relation of it to the king, but he, satisfied 
the men were in his power, gave no heed to the 
particulars of the plot. 


135 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE QUEEN’S TRIAL. 

“ Sing and rejoice, O, daughter of Zion ! for lo I I come. 
And I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. — Zacha- 
riah ii. 10. 

The day arrived which was to decide the fate of 
the captive Jews. Queen Esther, willing to risk 
her life for the hope of saving her people, prepared 
to enter the king’s apartment uncalled. If he were 
wroth, her instant death would follow ; but if he felt 
inclined to grant the boon she came to ask, he would 
stretch forth his sceptre in token she might approach 
and present her petition. The queen’s gentle spirit 
shrunk from her enterprise ; but once more resorting 
to her closet in prayer, she came forth strong in the 
Lord. The queen and her maidens were arrayed in 
the costliest robes. Esther in memory of her early 
days, frequently mixed a little of Hebrew costume 
with that of her conquerors. Upon this momentous 
occasion, she had studied in her attire to make her- 
self appear at the best advantage. A dress of snow- 
white woollen stuff of Damascus, woven with 
threads of gold and bordered with the same, reached 
nearly to her feet, just displaying her loose Persian 


136 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

trousers of light roseate silk ; the royal tiara, or tur- 
ban of twisted silk and gold, bound down her dark 
flowing locks, while the queenly mantle of purple 
velvet, having -around it a deep embroidery of pearls, 
fell from her shoulders and lay in heavy masses be- 
hind her. Radiant with beauty, and smiling cheer- 
fully, although her heart was heavy, Queen Esther, 
followed by a train of lovely maidens, entered the 
forbidden courts of the king. 

Artaxerxes was sitting upon his ivory throne, glit- 
tering with gold and jewels. He wore the royal 
robe of Persia, purple, with stripes of silver. A 
tiara of the same was surrounded with a diadem of 
priceless jems, while his scarlet tunic was one 
brilliant mass of jewels and gold. Artaxerxes was 
considered the handsomest man of his time, and 
now, surrounded by his nobles, attired in crimson 
and blue, the favorite colors of Persia — in a magni- 
ficent saloon of marble, inlaid with ivory, and hung 
with cloth of gold tissue — his throne overshadowed 
with an immense plane-tree wrought in gold, he pre- 
sented a glorious and imposing spectacle. 

Queen Esther and her train entered the saloon. 
When King Artaxerxes beheld his present queen, 
unawed by the fate of her predecessor, thus daring 
to set his laws at defiance by boldly coming unbid- 
den into his presence, his wrath was aroused, and 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 137 

he turned towards her a countenance flaming with 
anger. At this sight, the heart of the gentle queen 
sunk within her, and she fell fainting into the arms 
of her maidens. The princes and assembled nobles 
looked upon the scene with silent sympathy ; for the 
lovely Esther was a general favorite in the court, 
and they would have knelt and pleaded for her if 
they dared. As the king gazed upon her, his heart 
softened, for he loved his gentle queen, and the Lord 
so wrought upon him by means of her beauty, that 
his heart was changed. 

While each eye was watching him with intense 
interest, he stretched out his golden sceptre towards 
her. In a mild voice he said, “ What wouldst thou, 
Queen Esther? Come near — look upon me as a 
brother and be of good cheer !” 

Tears of joy were in every eye, and smiles upon 
every face when the king pronounced these words. 
The queen, reviving with an effort, advanced and 
touched the sceptre — she was safe ! 

Moved by her loveliness, and her distress, Artax- 
erxes descended from his throne, and embracing her 
bade her to be comforted, and speak freely her mind, 
and he would grant her request, were it half his king- 
dom. “ I humbly thank my lord for this favor,” said 
the queen. “ When I entered, and beheld the king’s 
12 * 


138 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


terrible majesty, I thought to see an avenging angel 
before me, and my heart was troubled within me.” 

“ Thou shalt not die, Esther, although our com- 
mandment is not regarded, but speak thy request and 
it shall be granted.” 

“ If it seemeth good to the king, let my lord come 
to my banquet to-morrow and bring with him the 
lord Haman, where I will demand my boon, which 
is of great importance, touching even my life” The 
king promised to be there, and Queen Esther, wdth a 
glad and grateful heart, withdrew. 

Great was the pride of Haman then ! He was 
invited to feast with the king and queen ! he, a 
stranger and adventurer, had arrived at the high 
honor of being the guest of the queen, at her own 
request — an honor she had not conferred on any of 
the princes and nobles of the court. Inflated with 
vanity and triumph, Haman looked forward to a 
course of honors and prosperity. Alas for thee, 
Haman! Thy fabric of happiness is bravely built, 
there lacketh no costly stone, nor gilding, nor device 
of cunning workmen, but when the sky is clearest, 
and the sun shineth brightly, and thou securest, then 
suddenly shall it fall, and bury thee in its ruin ! 

Joy in his eye, and exultation in his step, Haman 
was passing from the palace, to give orders for new 
and sumptuous attire for the banquet, when, behold ! 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 139 

there, in the king’s gate sat Mordecai, who, when 
the others around kissed the dust at his feet, 
stood erect, unmoved ! What a check to all his 
gre|tness ! What a spectre in his path to remind him 
of his mortality ! With a groan of anguish he fled to his 
own house. Zeresh, his wife gazed aghast at his 
sudden entrance, and apparent distraction. Pale as 
marble, his eyes burned fiercely, and tearing his 
beard, he paced the room in violent agitation. Ze- 
resh and Yashti gazed in affright upon him, but to 
all his wife’s soothing words and anxious inquiries, 
he replied by bitter curses upon Mordecai and the 
Jews. At length throwing himself upon the ground, 
he cast dust upon his head. “ Cursed be the day I 
was born !” he cried. “ May the sun never rise to 
bless it ! May it be struck from time for ever !” 

“ What hath befallen my lord ?” asked his wife in 
alarm. “Yesterday he was boasting of his riches 
and his favor at court, and now he bewaileth his fate 
in dust and ashes.” 

“Yes, my wealth is unbounded !” he exclaimed, 
“ I have wives and a multitude of children. I have 
flocks of friends, and slaves to do my bidding. I 
stand high in royal favor, for I am placed above the 
princes of the court ; yea, Esther, the queen, asks 
no one to come in with the king to the banquet ex- 
cept myself. Yet all this availeth me nothing while 


140 HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

Mordecai, the Jew, sitteth at the king’s gate and re- 
fuseth to do me honor!” Yashti turned from him 
with a gesture of scorn, and his wife essayed to 
comfort him ; but he refused to be comforted. 
“ What am I with all my greatness,” he said, “ If 
there lives a man who thus darest to scorn me !” 

“ Surely in the month of Adar, the Jews will die, 
and my lord will be rid of his foe.” 

“ It wants some months to Adar,” said her hus- 
band, gloomily. 

“ Were I possessed of all thy rank and power,” 
said Zeresh, “ this insolent Jew should no longer 
live. I would erect a lofty gallows, fifty cubits high, 
and I would hang my enemy thereon ; thy favor 
with the king will save thee from his anger, if he 
do trouble himself with the fate of such wretches.” 

“ It shall be done ! I thank thee, Zeresh. The 
man shall die to-day, for I cannot be at peace while 
he defies me.” Haman shook off the dust from his 
robes and hastily withdrew. 

Thou who art reading these lines, beware how 
thou blamest Haman ! If thou art without sin, then 
cast thy stone. Look within the recesses of thy 
own heart. When surrounded by all the world can 
give of wealth and happiness, hast thou not pined 
for more? Hast thou not striven for some fancied 
good, lacking which, all means of joy around thee 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER 


141 


are neglected, and thou refusest to be at peace until 
it be attained. 

That night, the king being restless, awoke very 
early and commanded the records of the palace to 
be brought him, that he might occupy his leisure 
hour in looking them over. There he beheld the 
service rendered him by Mordecai, when he secured 
the conspirators. “ Have the traitors been examin- 
ed?” he asked. 

“No, my lord.” 

“ Let it then be done instantly, for I see by these 
papers Mordecai accuses some great lord of the 
court as their employer. Surely I have been very 
negligent! Hath the man been rewarded who dis- 
covered the conspiracy !” 

“ He hath not yet, O king !” 

“ There hath just arrived without, I hear, one of 
my nobles. Let him enter.” 

The door was opened, and Haman entered. His 
gallows was erected, and he now came to win from 
the king permission to hang his enemy upon it. 

“ Come hither, Haman,” said Artaxerxes. “ What 
shall be done with the man whom the king delight- 
eth to honor ?” 

The proud heart of Haman exulted, for he thought 
the king intended to confer some new favor upon 
him. 


142 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


“ For the man whom the king delighteth to hon- 
or,” said the wily Haman, “Let the king’s royal 
robes be brought, and the horse which the king ri- 
deth upon, and the crown royal. Let this apparel 
and horse be delivered into the hand of the king’s 
most noble princes, that he may array with these, 
the man whom the king delighteth to honor, and 
bring him on horseback through the street of the 
city, and proclaim before him, ‘ Thus shall it be 
done to the man whom the king delighteth to hon- 
or.’ ” 

Then the king said to Haman, “ Make haste, and 
take the robes, and the horse as thou hast said, and 
do even thus to Mordecai, the Jew, who sitteth at 
the king’s gate.” 

The heart of Hamah stood still when he heard 
these words. Must he exalt the enemy whom he 
came to destroy! Must he show himself to the 
world as groom to the despised Jew ! He rushed 
from the king’s presence almost a maniac. Haman 
could not resist the king’s mandate. The humiliat- 
ing ceremony was enacted, and then, with his head 
covered in anguish, he fled to his own house, where 
the gall and bitterness he had so well pent up in his 
bosom, burst forth with tremendous violence. “ My 
heart did misgive me, after thy departure,” said his 
wife, “ that I had counselled thee to do aught against 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 143 

the Jew. ’Tis said they have a powerful God, who 
visits with awful judgments those who do them 
wrong. Then cease to wrestle with Mordecai, my 
husband and my lord, or I fear me the wrath of his 
God will fall upon thee.” 

The queen’s chamberlain now arrived to escort 
Haman to the banquet. Arrayed in his most costly 
robes, and smoothing his brow, Haman followed him 
into the queen’s presence. With joyous eyes he 
gazed at the magnificence around him, and at the 
royal feast which was awaiting him. Unsuspecting 
the queen’s knowledge of his arts against her nation, 
he advanced with a confident smile to the raised seat 
occupied by his royal master and Queen Esther. 
That smile was the last the face of Haman wore. 

“ And now that we are assembled at thy request,” 
said Artaxerxes, “ what is thy petition, Queen Es- 
ther ? It shall be granted thee, even were it half 
my kingdom, for I have sworn it.” 

Then Esther, the queen, kneeling before him, 
said, “ If I have found favor in thy sight, 0 king ! 
and if it please my lord, let my life be given to me 
at my petition, and that of my people , at my request. 
For we are all sold, I and my people, to be destroy- 
ed, to be slain, and to perish !” 

“ And who is he,” said the king in his anger, 
“ who doth presume in his heart, to devise any thing 


144 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


against thy life ? I understand thee not. Who are 
thy people ?” 

How sank the heart of Haman within him ! 

“ Know then, 0 king, I am a Jewess ! My adver- 
sary is this wicked Haman, who hateth me and my 
kin, and hath beguiled thee to give us all to slaugh- 
ter.” 

Then was the king’s wrath too great for words, 
for he remembered the scene in the temple, and 
saw through the designs of Haman. He cast a 
withering glance upon his ungrateful favorite, which 
caused him to shrink and writhe with despair. 

“ Ho ! my guards !” cried the king, rushing to the 
door of the hall. He was met by soldiers, who 
brought in chains the two chamberlains, Bigthana 
and Teresh, who had conspired against him. 

“ Here are the men whom thou didst command to 
be examined, O king,” said the head officer. “ I 
have brought them that they might receive their 
doom at thy royal hands, for they have confessed 
the wicked Haman did hire them with rich gifts to 
practise against thy life and the queen’s.” 

“ Seize the villian !” cried the king, in a voice of 
thunder. “ Bring him forth and let him die like a 
dog !” 

Behold, my lord,” said the officer, “ there stands 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


145 


without a gallows fifty cubits high ; if it please thee, 
we will hang him thereon.” 

“ Ay, hang him there ! and afterwards, the others,’ 
said the king, who returned to the banquet hall. 

The wretched Haman had sunk upon his knees 
before the queen, to implore her protection, and find- 
ing she was turning from him, grasped her hand, 
and entreated her to hear him. 

“ Ha, wretch !” cried the king when he entered, 
“ wilt thou insult the queen before our eyes ? Away 
with him to death !” 

Haman was dragged forth and hanged upon the 
gallows which had been prepared for Mordecai. 
The Jew was called into the king’s presence. 

“Here is my signet ring, Mordecai,” said the 
king. “It was once Haman’s, it is now thine. 
Take it, and with it all the wealth and power and 
rank of Haman. I cannot revoke my decree, but 
thou shalt have soldiers and arms to defend thy peo- 
ple against those employed by the wicked Haman, 
who seeing this preparation, will not dare to strike. 
Save as many as thou canst. I have promised to 
Nehemiah the Government of Judea. See that he 
hath men and money to rebuild his holy city, for I 
would do all I can to recompense my queen and the 
Jews for my unjust decree.” 

Then bounded the heart of Esther and her uncle 
13 


146 


HEROISM OF QUEEN ESTHER. 


for joy. Kneeling to the good king, they kissed his 
hands in devout thankfulness for his generous con- 
duct, and then lifting their eyes above, poured out 
their grateful souls to the giver of so much good 
who had shown himself so powerful to save ! 

THE MORAL. 

Esther is another beautiful example of the duty 
Ive owe our guardians and aged relatives. Although 
it was exceedingly distasteful to her, to leave her 
quiet home and face the snares and dangers of a 
court, yet she did not refuse to obey her uncle when 
he requested her to become one of the candidates. 
Her patriotism and her trust in God are worthy of 
our great commendation. She braved the terrors of 
the law, and endangered the loss of her life, or of 
her husbands love, to save her people in their peril ; 
counting her own will as nothing when her uncle 
called upon her to risk her existence for that of her 
country. When in all the state and dignity of roy- 
alty Esther did not forget Mordecai whom she cher- 
ished and obeyed, as if she were still the lowly 
Haddassah. 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 

* 


“ As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women 
rule over them .” — Isaiah iii. 12. 

Man calls himself the Lord of Creation ; yet, 
powerless and fragile as woman may appear, she 
hath ever borne equal sway with him over the des- 
tinies of the world. 

In my former numbers, we have seen how efficient 
was woman in saving, or shielding her country or 
friends. In the present number, another heroic 
female will be displayed — but this picture will re- 
quire darker shades, for, at her side are two others, 
who, instead of being, as designed by God, “ helpers 
meet for man,” were his ruthless destroyers. 

At the period of my story, Judea was divided into 
two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. Each kingdom 
saw itself under the despotic sway of a woman. 
Jezebel reigned in Israel, and Athaliah, her daughter, 
in Judah — both women of lawless passions and 


143 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


haughty spirit, and, withal, idolatrous worshippers of 
Baal and Astaroth. 

These were only queens dowager — for, Joram, 
the son of Jezebel, was sovereign of Samaria, and 
Athaliah’s son, Ahaziah, governed Jerusalem. Being 
much engaged in wars with Edom and Syria, their 
country was left to the tender mercies of these fierce 
and cruel women. They were universally detested ; 
but, the people, knowing there was no redress, sub- 
mitted in silence. Jezebel’s persecution of the holy 
prophet Elijah, after his signal defeat of the pro- 
phets of Baal, is well known. “ So let the gods do 
to me, and more also !” said Jezebel to Elijah, by a 
messenger, “ if I make not thy life as the life of 
one of the prophets thou hast slain, by to-morrow 
morning!” Elijah fled into the wilderness, and 
threw himself down beneath a juniper tree, where 
he prayed to die, rather than to live under the sway 
of that cruel woman. Her wicked and unjust con- 
duct towards Naboth, united all classes against her, 
and accelerated her doom. 

Naboth possessed a vineyard, which joined the 
grounds belonging to one of Ahab’s palaces, in the 
vicinity of the city of Jezreel. This vineyard Ahab 
offered to buy, that he might make it a garden ; but, 
Naboth, unwilling to sell, refused. Ahab persisted : 
Naboth continued firm, telling the king it was con- 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


149 


trary to law to sell his land, as it was said in Leviti- 
cus, “ The land shall not be sold for ever, for the 
land is mine.” Ahab was not used to disappoint- 
ment — and, being a weak man, it preyed upon him 
until he was quite ill. His wife, Jezebel, sought 
him while lying in this mood upon his bed. “ Why 
is thy spirit so sad, Ahab,” she said ; “ why eatest 
thou not ?” 

“ I am sore vexed,” he answered sullenly. “ I 
have asked Naboth for his vineyard, and he refuses, 
because, forsooth, he will not sell the inheritance of 
his fathers.” 

Jezebel gazed upon him with the utmost scorn. 
“ What ! art thou the ruler of Israel, or is Naboth !” 
she said. “ Arise ! eat bread and be merry — I will 
give thee the vineyard of this insolent Naboth.” 
Jezebel swept haughtily out of the room to execute 
her cruel orders. 

That day she caused a fast to be proclaimed, be- 
cause wrong had been done in the city, which needed 
punishment. Naboth was then brought forth before 
the people, accused by two of the hirelings of Jeze- 
bel, of blaspheming God and the king. He was, 
of course, convicted, and carried without the city 
and stoned to death. Ahab took possession of the 
land of the murdered Naboth. 

God sent Elijah to Ahab and Jezebel, to reproach 
13 * 


150 


HEROISM OP JEHOSHEBA. 


them for their wickedness, and uttered prophecies of 
their downfall, which, we shall see, were afterwards 
fulfilled. 


Upon the side of a hill, in the land of Syria, 
stood an ancient man, leaning upon his staff, appa- 
rently resting after a toilsome march. He wore a 
mantle of goats’ skin, while a long white beard fell 
down to the leathern girdle which bound his waist. 
He gazed sadly upon the scene which lay stretched 
out beneath him ; although, it was lovely enough to 
raise a smile of admiration from even him, anchorite 
as he was. He stood upon one of a large circle of 
hills, bearing every hue and altitude, and enclosing 
a vast plain, watered by the two lucid streams, Abana 
and Parphar, and bearing in its centre a large and 
glorious city. It was Damascus, which reposed 
upon the centre of the green plain, like a snowy 
water-lily, wafted upon its verdant leaves. Temples 
and palaces of marble and ivory, adorned with 
gleaming gold, arose within its walls, and were re- 
flected in the brilliant stream below. Towards this 
city was Elisha, the prophet, sent, to fulfil the mis- 
sion of God. 

“ 0, Damascus !” he said, sadly, “ beautiful art 
thou to behold ; but, out of thee shall come a sword, 
which shall bring my country low. Alas ! Israel is 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


151 


ripe for punishment, and the wrath of the Lord 
cannot be staid.” A young man arose from beneath 
an olive tree, where he had been reposing, and ap- 
proached the prophet. “ My son,” said Elisha, 
“ thou seest before thee Damascus, the city of Ben- 
hadad, king of Syria. Here I am sent to anoint 
Hazael king, that he may be God’s avenger upon 
Israel, who worship Baal and the golden calf, in- 
stead of Jehovah.” 

“ God’s purpose is not, then, to send Benhadad ?” 

“ No, my son ; he is so convinced of God’s power, 
by his forced flight from before Samaria, that he 
fears the God of Israel.” 

“ Unhappy land ! will thy sufferings never cease !” 

“ Never ! until it throw away its idols, and serve 
the living God.” 

The rumor, that the celebrated prophet Elisha 
had taken up his abode upon the hill of Damascus, 
was soon carried to the ears of the king. He 
had ever held the holy man in reverence since 
his memorable defeat, prophesied by him ; and now, 
being ill, sent to know if he should recover or not. 

One morning Elisha left his cave, and gazed 
abroad. A long procession of camels and men 
were crossing the plain, from the city, towards 
the hill upon which he dwelt. Elisha knew it was 
sent to him, and awaited the train’s approach. A 


152 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEEA. 


man, richly clothed, alighted from a camel, and 
threw himself at the prophet’s feet. It was Ha- 
zael, one of the principal lords of Benhadad, king 
of Syria. 

“ 0 Elisha ! Holy prophet !” said Hazael, “ I came 
from thy son, Benhadad, king of Syria. He lieth in 
bed ill, and hath sent me to ask thee if he shall re- 
cover of this disease. See — here are forty camels, 
loaded with all that is rich and rare of Damascus, 
which my master lays at thy feet, hoping thou wilt 
deign to look into the future, for him.” 

Elisha looked for a long time mournfully upon 
Hazael, for, by his prophetic power, he saw in him 
the ruthless conqueror of Israel. “ Go tell thy lord 
he will not die of this disease” — at last, he said ; 
“ and yet, I foresee, he will die of a more cruel 
death.” 

Elisha gazed upon Hazael, until the tears ran 
down his aged cheek ; and then, turning from him, 
the man of God wept bitterly 

“ Why weepest thou, my Lord ?” asked Hazael, 
rising. 

“ Alas, Hazael ! it is because I can foresee all the 
evil which thou wilt do to the children of Israel. 
Thou wilt burn their strong holds, and slay men, 
women, and even children, in the crudest manner.” 

“ What ! am I a dog, that I should do this thing !” 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


153 


“Yea, Hazael. The Lord hath shown me thou 
shalt be king of Syria, in place of Benhadad.” We 
know not what spirit we are of, until we are tried. 
Solomon saith, ‘ He that trusteth in his own heart, 
is a fool.’ ” 

As Hazael returned over the plain, he sank into 
deep musing. He should be king of Syria ! How 
his ambitious heart leaped within him at the thought ! 
And the conqueror of Israel ! — but he would be a 
merciful conqueror, and Elisha should find he was 
not so wicked as he imagined. Elisha had prophe- 
sied Benhadad should die, and he would quietly 
await that event. 

“What said the prophet?” asked the feeble Ben- 
hadad. 

“ He told me, thou shouldst surely recover of this 
disease. 

This joyful news so excited Benhadad, as to act 
favorably upon him, and before the night he was 
nearly well. Hazael began to grow uneasy. He 
doubted the truth of Elisha — and, forgetting his re- 
solution of awaiting his master’s predicted death, and 
not willing to rely upon God’s will, he determined 
to murder the king. Early in the morrow, ere day 
had yet appeared, and while all in the palace were 
asleep, Hazael crept softly into the king’s chamber. 
The old man lay in the heavy slumber of an ex- 


154 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


hausted invalid. Hazael dipped a thick cloth in 
water, and pressed it upon the king’s face until the 
spirit had fled. Then, when the murderous deed 
was executed, and Hazael was gazing upon his vic- 
tim, did the words he had spoken to Elisha, the day 
before, occur to him — “ Is thy servant a dog, that he 
should do this thing !” — and Hazael saw he had not 
read his heart aright. “ But, now that I have begun, 
I must go on!” he said, bitterly. “Away to my 
soldiers !^they must proclaim me king.” Hazael 
was anointed king of Syria. 

The words of Elisha, regarding Hazael, were 
soon proved to be prophetic. He ravaged Israel 
with fire and sword, and brought upon the country 
all the evils which Elisha had predicted. Joram, 
the son of Jezebel, and Ahaziah, Athaliah’s son, 
united their forces and beseiged Hazael in the city 
of Ramoth Gilead, which he had lately conquered. 
Various skirmishes took place ; in one of which, 
Joram was severely wounded, and returned to his 
mother, at Jezreel, to be cured of his wounds. 
Ahaziah followed him, leaving the army in com- 
mand of Jehu, a man of great valor, and a skilful 
soldier. God’s purposes were not yet fulfilled upon 
the wicked house of Ahab : by his humility, he 
averted the evil from himself, but the time was come 
to destroy the rebellious race from the land. Elisha 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


155 


was commissioned to anoint Jehu king of Israel, 
in place of Joram. He sent the young prophet, 
who had attended him to Damascus, to fulfil the 
mission. 

According to his instructions, the youthful prophet 
repaired to Ramoth Gilead. Jehu and the other cap- 
tains were feasting in the guard-room, when the pro- 
phet entered. “ I have an errand to thee, O cap- 
tain !” he said. 

“ Unto which of us ?” asked Jehu. 

“ Even to thee, Jehu, son of Jehosaphat !” 

Jehu arose and followed the prophet into an inner 
room. The prophet opened a horn of perfumed oil, 
and poured it on his head, saying — “ Thus saith the 
Lord God of Israel: 4 1 have anointed thee king 
over Israel. Thou shalt be my avenger, to smite 
the house of Ahab. And thou shalt avenge me of 
Jezebel, who hath shed the blood of my servants 
The dogs shall eat her in the portion of Jezreel !’ ” 
His mission over, the prophet opened the door and 
disappeared. 

Jehu returned thoughtfully to the feast. 

“ Is all well V* asked one of the guests — “ What 
said this mad fellow to thee ?” 

“ Surely ye know him and his communication,” 
said Jehu ; “ ye have sent him.” 

“ Indeed, we know not. Tell us what he said.” 


156 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


“ He hath anointed me king over Israel, in place 
of Joram, my master.’’ 

Jehu was a favorite with the soldiers, and the son 
of Jezebel was hated ; so that they joyfully received 
the news, and determined to proclaim him at once. 
For want of a throne, they covered the stairs, which 
ran up outside the house, with their scarlet mantles, 
and, placing Jehu on high, sounded upon their trum- 
pets, and proclaimed Jehu king of Israel. 

The warder upon the watch-tower of Jezreel re- 
ported to Joram the approach of a body of horse and 
chariots. Joram knew not whom they were, or if 
they came in peace or war. 

“ Let some one go out to meet them, and ask the 
leader if he come in peace,” said the king. 

The horseman approached Jehu, who was stand- 
ing in his chariot. “ Thus asks king Joram,” he 
said : Is it peace ?” 

“ What hast thou to do with peace ?” replied Jehu. 
“ Get thee behind me.” 

The messenger did as he was ordered, and joined 
the train of Jehu. A second messenger was des- 
patched, who also remained with the approaching 
party. 

The city now became alarmed, and gathered upon 
the walls to watch the troop. Joram sent for the 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


157 


'watchman, to inquire more particulars. “1 know 
not who they be, my lord,” he said ; “ but, their 
driving is like that of Jehu, the son of Jehosaphat, 
for he ever driveth furiously.” 

“ It is Jehu,” said the king, “ and perhaps bearer 
of news from the army. Make ready the chariot, 
and I will ride out to meet him.” 

Joram and Ahaziah, each in his chariot, left the 
city, and met Jehu, just by the vineyard of Naboth, 
the Jezreelite. Then sank the heart of Joram with- 
in him, when he recollected it, for many prophets 
had denounced judgments against him and his house, 
for the great iniquity of his father and mother 
The chariots stopped. 

“ Is it in peace thou comest, Jehu ?” asked Joram. 

“ What peace is there for any,” said Jehu, “ when 
the wickedness and witchcraft of thee and thy 
mother, Jezebel, are so many?” 

“ Treason ! — Treachery ! — 0 Ahaziah !” — cried 
Joram, and turned to fly, but an arrow from Jehu, the 
avenger, brought him low, and he sank down dead 
in his chariot. 

“ Throw him upon the field of Naboth,” said Jehu 
to his captain, Bidkar. “Now have the words of the 
Lord come to pass, which thou and I heard when 
we rode behind Ahab : ‘ I have seen the blood of 
14 


158 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


Naboth,’ said the prophet ; ‘ and I will revenge me 
here, in this very field,’ saith the Lord.” 

When Ahaziah, king of Judah, saw the deed, he 
fled ; but was pursued by the people of Jehu. 

“ Smite him also in his chariot,” cried the aven- 
ger, and Ahaziah was soon dead. “ Bury him,” 
said Jehu, “ for he is the son of the good Jehosaphat, 
but deserves death for his mother’s sake, and because 
he joined himself with the ungodly Joram.” The 
news of the king’s death spread consternation over 
Jezreel, and they beheld the conqueror’s entrance 
with fear and trembling. His errand, however, was 
not to the people, but to their rulers. He sought 
the palace of Jezebel. 

Jezebel inhabited the ivory palace which her hus 
band Ahab, had built. She had decked herself out, 
and painted her face, in order to dazzle the conquer- 
or, and stood at a window awaiting his approach. 
Upon her head she wore a golden net, or caul, sur- 
rounded by a gauze shawl, as a turban, while chains 
and ornaments of gold hung over her cheeks, her 
neck and arms, and little golden bells tinkled at her 
feet. But, in vain were all these mufflers, crisping- 
pins, and rings, and jewels called in play : they 
conld not avert her fate. In spite of her design to 
win Jehu, her natural evil temper broke forth, and, 
in a taunting accent, she cried out, “ Thou wilt re- 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


159 


pent this deed, Jehu ! Had Zimri peace who slew 
his master ?” 

Jehu looked up at the windows, which were crowd- 
ed with slaves and attendants. “Who is on my 
side ? Who !” cried Jehu. Many voices called 
out their willingness to join him. “ Throw down, 
then, that wicked woman. Let the dogs eat her, 
according to the words of the prophet.” They 
threw her down, and Jehu rode over her. “ Go, 
and bury her,” he said, afterwards, “ for she is a 
king’s daughter.” And the words of the prophet 
were fulfilled ! 


Eager for sovereign power, and devoid of natural 
feeling, Athaliah resolved, when she heard the death 
of her son, to seize upon the throne. The natural 
heirs, however, stood in her way ; and these, al- 
though they were her own grand-children, she 
doomed to death. 

Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah by another mother, 
was a woman of great and good qualities, and ten- 
derly attached to her brother. She wept sorely for 
his death, and acted a mother’s part to his young 
orphans. She was wife to Jehoiada, the high priest 
of the temple, and lived with him within the pre- 
cincts of the holy house. “ Ahaziah hath been 
gome time dead,” she said one day to her husband, 


160 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


“and I have not seen any preparations towards 
anointing his son as king in his stead. Canst thou 
tell me, Jehoiada, why it is not done ?” 

“ Hadst thine illness not prevented thee from visit- 
ing the palace, Jehosheba, thou wouldsthave known” 
— replied the high priest, in a sad accent. 

“What! is the young Zezron dead?” she asked, 
in alarm. 

“ Not yet,” said her husband, gloomily. “ Now 
that thou art strong enough to hear the terrible news, 
know that Athaliah hath seized upon the sovereign 
power, and hath imprisoned the young princes in the 
palace !” 

This was a great shock to the tender heart of the 
princess. “ Alas ! my sweet young nephews !” she 
said, while tears bedewed her face, “ they are in the 
hands of a cruel tigress ! Can we not do something, 
Jehoiada ? Let me go to Athaliah, and surely she 
will listen to my prayer, and let them depart to their 
uncle’s, or to my care, for, 1 fear me, she will not 
yet be satisfied with this cruelty.” 

“ No, Jehosheba, seek not Athaliah. Thy prayers, 
be well assured, cannot soften the heart of that ac- 
cursed woman.” 

“She surely will not imprison all those noble 
young princes for life !” 

“ Alas ! their lives will not be long, I fear !” 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


161 


Jehoiada turned from his wife’s tears, and retreat- 
ed to the temple. Here he bent in prayer to God, 
that he would look in pity upon Judah, and avert 
from it the threatened evil. For Jehoiada had not 
revealed to Jehosheba the fact of the intended mas- 
sacre of the innocent princes, which had been told 
him in confidence, that morning by the captain of 
the royal guard. 

That night, Jehosheba, unable to sleep, arose and 
walked in the marble court before her apartment. 
There she remained some time, reflecting upon the 
situation of her nephews, to whom, particularly the 
young Joash, then just a year old, she was very 
much attached. She could not rest easy without 
doing something for them, and was busily resolving 
plans for their benefit, when she was aroused by the 
sound of trampling horses, and rattle of armor. She 
ascended the wall, and beheld a troop of soldiers 
enter the palace gate. Soldiers at midnight ! — her 
heart sank, and she fell back against the parapet in 
a cold tremor. 

What could it mean ! Some deadly event was in 
progress, and her thoughts turned with affright to- 
wards the royal children. But Athaliah could not be 
so cruel — so wicked ! A sudden shriek as from a 
death-stroke, awoke the silence of night. Jehoshe- 
ba started as if her own heart had been pierced. 

14* 


162 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


She turned toward the palace, where a miserable 
scene met her view; from the balconies and ter- 
races of the woman’s apartments, were children and 
females rushing apparently in the wildest affright. 
Some soldiers ran in pursuit of them, whom the 
wretched princess recognised as the queen’s own 
band, who were notorious for performing every 
bloody deed which the queen might dictate. 

The cries of children and women almost aroused 
the princess to madness, for she doubted not the 
cruel Athaliah had given over the young princes to 
slaughter. Could she stand there and look on with- 
out helping them ! But what availed her feeble arm 
against those ruthless men. Jehosheba rushed from 
the wall, and had nearly regained her apartment, 
when another loud wail arrested her steps, and she 
determined, at whatever risk, to seek the palace, and 
endeavor to save one of her nephews. There was 
a private way built by Solomon, which led to the 
palace, and over this Jehosheba wildly rushed, re- 
solving to die with, or save her nephews. She 
sought the women’s apartments, and found the court 
filled with soldiers. 

“ You cannot pass in, lady,” said one. 

“ Away ! I am the Princess Jehosheba !” 

At the majestic wave of her hand, the soldiers 
gave way. A dreadful sight met her eye on enter- 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


163 


ing the rooms. Dead and dying children, and nurses 
who had faithfully defended them, were lying around. 
Bloody and brutal soldiers opposed her path, but Je- 
hosbeba struggled through, for she had thought of 
the infant Joash, and sought to conceal him, at least. 
The deadly deed would have been over ere this, but 
there were a few devoted servants of the house of 
David, who resisted the soldiers’ bloody purpose. 
All were killed except those in the last apartment. 
At the door stood two faithful eunuchs, disputing the 
soldiers’ entrance. Jehosheba’ endeavored to force 
her way through. 

“ Forbear, princess,” cried one of the eunuchs, 
“ the fiends will kill you, also.” 

Jehosheba was not to be daunted. She pushed 
aside their swords, and entered the apartment. She 
gazed wildly around ; there were several children 
and young persons there, of the royal blood, all 
weeping and clinging to their attendants in the 
greatest terror. 

Cowering in a corner, sat a nurse, pressing in her 
arms ah infant. It was the young Joash, now the 
only living child of Ahaziah. Jehosheba seized the 
infant, and concealing it under the wrapper she 
wore, beckoned the nurse to follow, and rapidly left 
the room. The faithful eunuchs were dead, and the 
soldiers, busy with their prey, cared not to stop her, 


164 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


for they were not ordered to murder any except the 
royal children. Struggling through blood and ribald 
soldiers, and severely wounded, the heroic Jehoshe- 
ba at last saw herself in the temple court. 

Jehoiada was awakened from his slumber by sobs 
of anguish. He arose hastily, and beheld his be- 
loved Jehosheba covered with blood, lying senseless 
upon the floor, while a strange nurse and infant 
were weeping over her. 


Six years was Joash concealed in the temple ; the 
secret of his escape from the massacre being only 
known to his aunt, uncle and nurse. In the temple 
there was more security than in any place in Jeru- 
salem, for it was then only frequented by a few 
faithful Jews ; the remainder of the people repairing 
to the idol fanes, which Athaliah had reared in many 
places. The glory had departed from the house of 
God ; its gold was stripped off — its walls broken 
down, and the golden utensils decorated the altars 
of Baal. At the end of these six years, Jehosheba 
thought the favorite moment had arrived to restore 
Joash to the throne of his fathers. Athaliah, by her 
rapacity — her cruelty and unlicensed passions, was 
universally detested, and the people began to sigh 
for release from her tyranny. The measure of her 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


165 


iniquities was full, and God had commanded her 
downfall. Jehoiada, as a preliminary step, called to 
his council some of the Levites whom he could 
trust, and some officers who he knew were disaf- 
fected towards Athaliah. After swearing them to 
secrecy in the temple, he revealed to them the fact 
of the existence of one of the royal princes. They 
were all rejoiced at the news, and vowed to serve 
him, and place him upon the throne. These were 
commissioned to go to the several towns and cities 
of Judah, and collect all the Levites who had been 
dispersed, and send them to the temple. All the 
nobles of Judah who had fled from Athaliah’s ty- 
ranny, were also to be informed of the conspiracy. 
All was ready. The day arrived, and the people 
summoned by the High Priest, on pretence of an 
unusual fast, crowded the courts before the temple. 
Each one who was in the secret, was instructed in 
his part. They were divided in three bands — one 
was placed at the court gate, and one at the outer 
gate, while the third encircled the young prince. 
The courts were filled with people, who awaited in 
silence the commencement of the religious ceremo- 
nies of the day. Jehoiada, the High Priest, entered 
the upper court from a side cloister, leading by the 
hand a young boy of seven years, and followed by 
the Princess Jehosheba and his nurse. The High 


166 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


Priest advanced to the head of the steps leading to 
the lower court, that all might behold him. 

“Ye men of Judah!” he said, “ ye have heard 
how our God hath sworn he will establish the throne 
of David for ever, and hath said David shall never 
want an heir to his throne — then why suffer ye the 
daughter of Jezebel, the seed of Sidon, on the 
throne of our glorious king.” A murmur of as- 
tonishment interrupted Jehoiada. “ Men of Jerusa- 
lem, 1 have called ye here this day to know if ye 
will serve Baal or Jehovah.” 

“We will worship the Lord our God!” cried se- 
veral voices. 

“ And I have called ye here to know,” continued 
Jehoiada, “if ye will serve the daughter of Jezebel, 
or a son of David !” 

“ Down with Athaliah !” exclaimed a few who 
were in the secret. 

“ Behold, then, this youth. It is Joash, your 
lawful prince, the son of Ahaziah ; saved from the 
massacre by the heroism of his aunt, the Princess 
Jehosheba, who, with the prince’s nurse, are here to 
corroborate the tale.” 

Loud acclamations of joy, which seemed to come 
from the hearts of all, resounded from the throng. 
The High Priest then placed the prince against the 
marble column, the usual stand of the king when in 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


167 


the temple, and after anointing him with the holy 
perfumed oil, placed the diadem of David upon his 
head. Then the silver trumpets sounded — and the 
sweet singers of Israel burst into hymns of praise, 
and the joyous multitude shouted, “ God save the 
king 1” 

Athaliah, like all tyrants, was of a very suspicious 
nature. Her spies had informed her of the unusual 
concourse in the temple, and she had been uneasy 
the whole morning. Aroused by the shouts and 
clangor of trumpets, she repaired to the temple 
through the king’s passage ; and when there, a 
blasting sight met her view. Placed in the centre 
of that spacious court, was a crowned king, around 
whom stood a circle of armed guards ; while the 
peoplawere crowding to kneel and do homage to 
the son of, David. The striking resemblance of the 
noble child to her son, Ahaziah ; the presence of 
Jehosheba and his nurse, whom she recollected, re- 
vealed to her the truth — the boy had been secretly 
reared, and the people had conspired to place him 
upon her throne. The most demoniac passion took 
possession of her. She stamped and tore her robes 
— “Rebellious wretches!” she cried, “tortures 
shall follow this ! Ho ! my guards ! treason ! trea- 
son !” 


168 


HEROISM OF JEHOSHEBA. 


“ Take that accursed woman hence !” said the 
High Priest, “ and slay her without the temple.” 

Athaliah was slain, and Joash reigned in her stead. 
In future years, when the priests and the Levites 
gazed upon their glorious temple renewed and re- 
paired by their pious prince, and the people were 
sunning themselves in the peace and plenty which 
filled the land, they united, first in praising God for 
his mercies, and next to him, the good Princess 
Jehosheba for her heroism. 

THE MORAL. 

May we all imitate the heroism of Jehosheba 
when called upon to undertake any difficult or dan- 
gerous achievement. She turned from the gaieties 
of a court to live in a retired and humble manner 
within the temple, where she practised a faith then 
despised by all. At the cry of innocence she rushed 
to the rescue, heedless of the assassin’s sword, or 
the Queen’s displeasure. This her generous de- 
votedness was of the greatest benefit to her country, 
for in her nephew’s reign the idols were overthrown, 
and the true worship prevailed. Let us not think of 
our own peril when we may succor the poor or the 
oppressed. 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 


PART FIRST. 

THE EXILE. 

Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices 
sweet unto me. Jer. vi. 20. 

The majestic oaks, the herds and verdant pastures 
of Bashan, have ever furnished to the inspired pro- 
phets of Israel, types and figures of richness and 
fertility. Age after age has passed away, nation 
has succeeded nation in earth’s pageant over these 
fair plains, cities have risen on those river banks ; 
but the nations have melted into the shadows of the 
past, the cities have crumbled away, and all has 
changed save those glorious oaks of Bashan, who 
still crown the summits of the hills, where their 
kindred flourished, and gaze down as of old, upon 
the vales and rivers beneath. Their day however 
must come* for Isaiah hath said ‘ the cedars of Leb- 
15 


170 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 

anon, — and all the oaks of Bashan, shall be brought 
low.’ 

Arrayed in all the gorgeous robes of her ancient 
glory, ere yet her ‘ time to weep’ had come, the land 
of Bashan burst upon the gaze of two persons as 
they gained the brow of one of the hills which sep- 
erated her from the land of Gilead. 

“ Ha ! by Moloch this is a glorious country,” 
said one — a tall man clad in a dark dress which 
fell to his sandelled feet, and in a corslet of rusty 
steel, and battered helmet. — “ Behold those frowning 
mountains,” he added — “ see how they spring to the 
skies, and then sink down into soft grassy slopes 
losing themselves in these pretty green vales. Mark 
how the glittering Jabbok, like a jewelled necklace, 
rests upon the bosom of these verdant plains ; re- 
flecting upon its shining surface, city, and tower, 
and marble palace.” 

“ Yea, Haziel, it is a beauteous country,” returned 
his companion a man of lordly bearing — “ but as a 
painting it stands before my eyes creating admira- 
tion alone ; my heart, untouched by its loveliness, 
still fondly turns to Gilead.” 

“ I hope the heart of my Jepthah is not so wed- 
ded to his native country, that it sees no beauty in 
our favored land. What charm is there in Gilead, 
my Lord, that you so cherish it. Your kindred, as 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 171 

you tell me, have thrust you from your father’s house, 
and you have quitted Gilead, never to return.” 

“ My poor old father still remains there, and loves 
me, I am sure in spite of all. Sometimes my heart 
reproaches me for leaving him in the hands of his 
unruly sons. 

“ Think not of him my Jepthah, he hath treated 
you with much unkindness. What, will he idly 
stand and see one son robbed of his patrimony, that 
the others may riot on it, and never lift a hand to 
right you? — You, so famed for worth and every 
manly grace V* 

“ He is old and powerless, Haziel. I am not his 
lawful son. Child of a favorite handmaid, I shared 
with her all his heart, even after he married and 
was again a father. His wife ever looked upon my 
mother and myself, with envious eyes. Her dislike 
was infused into the bosoms of her sons, and they,' 
by every art, sought to ^vean my father’s favor from 
me. Happy with my mother, I did not ask their 
love, nor knew what sorrow was until she died. 
Rejoiced to find me without protection, my cruel 
mother-in-law and brothers, redoubled all their ef- 
forts to effect my ruin. I sought by engaging in 
manly sports, or by joining in excursions against the 
enemy, to keep aloof from them, but the fame I ac- 
quired in these pursuits aroused their evil passions 


172 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

anew, and by an united effort, they prevailed upon 
my poor old invalid father, to deny me all share of 
my patrimony, and finally to turn me from his 
house.” 

“ Shame on them ! Had you no friends who 
might use their influence for you.” 

“None of sufficient authority to break the pha- 
lanx of interested persons who surrounded my old 
father.” , 

“ Were I in your place, I would have applied to 
the elders of the city that they might force your 
brothers to reinstate you in your rights.” 

“ That, my good Haziel, is one of all my sorrows 
and my injuries that affects me most. I did apply 
to them, and they refused my suit. I, who so faith- 
fully had served them, who had kept at bay the 
neighboring nations, and raised the fame of Gilead 
to its present height !” 

“ Oh, they were purchased by your brother’s gold !” 

“ From my infirm father, and my brothers I ex- 
pected nothing, but from my country I surely had a 
right to look for justice. So keenly did I feel my 
fellow-citizens ingratitude, that I shook the dust 
from off my feet upon the city, and left it, vowing 
never to return.” 

“ A brave resolve my noble Jepthah ! Think no 
more of such false friends and turn to those, who, 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 173 

with open arms, are waiting to receive you. Trust 
yourself to my direction, and by Baal ! the citizens 
of Gilead shall rue the day they ever injured Jep- 
thah !” 

“ Gently my friend. Ere I join your band, I must 
exact that I never be required to attack my country- 
men. In any excursion against the neighboring 
Canaanites or the Ammonites, who so often harry 
our borders, I will take a part, but against my na- 
tive city, although so greatly injured by it, I will 
never lift my arm. If ye accept me as your com- 
rade on these terms, I am yours.” “We are too 
proud to number the celebrated Jepthah among us, 
to refuse any thing he may demand. Your wishes 
shall be obeyed. Follow me good sir ; our friends 
expect us in the cave below this hill.” 

Jepthah turned with a slight shudder from his 
new friend. “ Jepthah, I read your feelings,” said 
Haziel, “ learn we are not bandits, nor common rob- 
bers. Like yourself, we are men of rank, who, 
each receiving some rebuff from this rude world, 
have here retired, to pass our time in deeds of arms, 
or merry revelry. I am related to the princes of 
Napthali, and as reluctant as yourself to sully my 
good name by deeds of rapin, or of ruffian violence. 
Come on my Jepthah.” 

The new friends descended the hill, and advanced 
15 * 


174 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 

toward a large cave whose yawning mouth opened 
into the dark bosom of the mountain. As they en- 
tered, deafening shouts of ‘Welcome Haziel ! wel- 
come noble Jepthah!’ awoke the echoes of the 
vault. The cavern floor was spread with skins, upon 
which were seated, a circle of men, clad in wild 
costume, drinking wine from golden flagons or leather 
bottles. At one end stood the statue of Chemosh 
crowned with grape leaves, god of revelry and 
drunkenness ; and at the other end the goddess 
Ashtaroth, queen of love and beauty, whose head 
was surrounded by a circlet of stars, surmounted by 
a crescent moon. These misguided men had left 
the God of Israel behind them, and erected altars to 
the gods of those nations among whom they roam- 
ed. 

“ Enter lordly Jepthah !” said Haziel — “ there is 
the abode of happiness. Forget the ungrateful 
world you have left behind, and let your hours be 
passed in freedom and in joy!” With conscience 
tugging at his heart and bidding him return, Jep- 
thah entered the cave. 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 175 


PART II. 

REPENTANCE. 

The Ammonites had long meditated an inroad into 
Gilead, and now that Jepthah, the only man they 
feared, was expelled the city, they commenced an 
attack upon its borders. Many divisions of the 
Gileadites were sent against them, but they were 
repelled, and the enemy entered the land and direct- 
ed their march towards the city. The brothers of 
Jepthah had all been defeated, and had withdrawn 
themselves into the city where they were the 
scorn of all. The defeated soldiers, now encamp- 
ed without the 'Walls, were disheartened with their 
repeated unsuccess. “ 0 that the noble Jepthah 
were here,” said one of the soldiers, “ and Ammon 
would not shame us thus!” “Yea,” said another — 
“had we but Jepthah for our captain, we should 
soon repel the invaders !” 

The murmurs spread through the camp and reach- 
ed the city. “ Where is Jepthah !” became the 
public cry. Shouts of derision against his brothers, 
and disapprobation against the Elders who had 
turned the warrior from the city, resounded from 
every quarter. From rumors they rose to open re- 
bellion, and the Elders and Jepthah’s family were 


176 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

obliged to fly from the wrath of the people and shel- 
ter themselves in a fortified tower. In front of this, 
the populace assembled, vowing destruction upon 
the Elders unless Jepthah were placed at the head 
of the army. The Elders to appease them promised 
to send messengers after him into the land of Ba- 
shan. Messengers were accordingly dispatched. 
After several days passed in great suspence, they 
returned with Jepthah’s refusal to aid his ungrateful 
city. “ Go yourselves !” cried the people to the 
Elders — “ take with you Jepthah’s recreant brothers 
and upon your knees intreat him to return and re- 
deem us from that destruction you could not avert]” 
Forced to obey, these proud old men, who as, 
rulers of the city had seen all at their feet, now re- 
luctantly prepared to seek out him they had so deep- 
ly injured, and pray him to forgive them and return 
The Canaanites meanwhile had made an inroad 
into the northern part of Israel, but they had been 
driven back by Jepthah and his men who had pur- 
sued them into their own land. The victors were 
now reposing in a tower conquered from a Canaanite 
lord, which stood upon a hill overlooking the valley 
of lake Merom. In a marble court belonging to 
this castle were Jepthah and Hazielj reposing upon 
couches of ivory, before a table spread with tapest- 
ry and set with vases and flagons of gold. Haziel 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 177 

was busily engaged with the rich viands arranged 
before him, but Jepthah lay gazing sadly out the 
wide doorway. His eye roved over the soft green 
vale beneath, with the shining lake reposing in its 
bosom, and rested upon the mountains which bound 
the horizon beyond ; but his thoughts were far away 
towards that distant home which his heart yearned 
to see once more. 

“Art tired of these dainties already, Jepthah?” 
asked Haziel. “This Canaanitish lord was an 
excellent judge of wine, for his spiced wine is equal 
to any of Helbon.” 

Jepthah did not answer, and his friend again ad- 
dressed him. “Why art thou so sad captain? art 
thinking of Gilead again ?” 

“ Yes, Haziel. I repent of my hasty refusal to 
succor my native city ; and am half inclined to re- 
turn and offer to head my people against the Am- 
monites.” 

Haziel sat down his jewelled cup, and gazed at 
Jepthah with frowning brow — “ Ingratitude it seems 
is a Gileadite trait,” he said. “ When injured and 
rejected by your countrymen, I received you with the 
ardor of a friend, and gave you the command of my 
troops — and now, at their first beck you return to 
them.” 

“ Nay, Haziel, speak not so warmly. I have not 


178 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

resolved to go, conscience sometimes reproaches 
me, and my heart whispers it would be sweet to 
return them good for evil. Should I listen to their 
prayers, I know that God would bless my arm, and 
enable me to repel the invaders.” 

“ Believe me they stand in no danger. This is 
some plot of your kindred to lure you into their 
power that they may take your life. Their coward 
souls lose their repose while great Jepthah lives.” 

“ It may he so, Haziel. I will banish these re- 
grets, and strive to repay my friend all that kindness 
he has lavished upon the humble Jepthah. But see 
Haziel ! he suddenly exclaimed, pointing out the 
doorway — “what manner of men are those now 
crossing yonder valley?” Jepthah and Haziel arose 
and looked from the gate. 

A troop of men, mounted upon camels and asses, 
were moving over the verdant carpet which nature 
had spread upon the vale below. Now they pass 
the borders of the lake, their forms reflected in its 
mirrored surface, and now they enter the path lead- 
ing to the tower, and begin to ascend towards it. 
The gate was hastily barred — their followers called, 
and all ascended to the roof, from whence they be- 
held the party approaching. They gained the sum- 
mit of the hill, and then stood upon the green plain 
in front of the tower. One glance, and Jepthah 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 179 

turned away and covered his head with his mantle, 
to conceal the deep emotion their appearance created 
in his bosom. Could it be? Yea, there were the 
venerable rulers of his city in all their state, their 
purple robes of office almost covering the noble 
white asses upon which they rode! Why were 
they there ? His city must be in danger, and they 
had sought him as their shield. These aged men 
had undertaken this dreary journey to seek his aicl 
refused to their messengers ! Gratified, subdued, 
Jepthah burst into tears. When, however, he again 
turned towards them, his eye fell upon a party of 
men who followed the elders, mounted upon camels 
covered with rich trappings and with chains of gold. 
They were his perfidious brethren. Dastard souls ! 
How dare they face the man they had so basely in- 
jured! The heart of Jepthah was again steeled 
against Gilead, and following his friends, he strode 
loftily into the presence of the elders, who were 
now assembled in the marble court below. 

“ Noble Jepthah !” said their spokesman, ad- 
vancing, “you see before you the elders of your 
city, who, finding their messengers unheeded, have 
come this weary journey to seek your aid against 
the Ammonites who press us sore. 

“ Truly, for men of age, your minds are very 
changeful,” said Jepthah, bitterly. 


180 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 

“ How short a time is it since ye thrust me from 
your doors, and now ye come thus far to seek me ! 
Once it was my pleasure and my highest joy to do 
your bidding, but ye repelled me — and now ye come 
in your distress to pray me to return !” 

“ 0 noble Jepthah, pity that distress which brings 
us here ! Reject us not. Our hosts call upon you to 
take their head as their chosen captain. The name 
of Jepthah once resounding before our walls, the 
dreaded sound shall strike our foes with terror and 
Gilead shall be free ! Turn not away. — Wilt thou 
.see Gilead low ? wilt thou see thy home, thy friends 
doomed to destruction” — “ What home ! what 
friends !” said Jepthah, gloomily. “ Behold thy re- 
pentant brethren here,” said the Elder, pointing to a 
group of young men who just then entered the gate, 
“ they yield their gold, their all !” 

“ No, no !” exclaimed Jepthah, in violent agitation, 
motioning them back. — “ Do not let them come ! I 
cannot see them. Years of humiliation, of reproach, 
and of injury rise before me and shut my heart 
against them. I cannot see them.” 

There was silence in the court, and the dejected 
young men turned to retire. 

“ And yet, as a follower of the just God of Israel 
I must forgive. Young men, return! I do forgive 
you, for ye are my father’s sons, but stay not here, if 


HEROISM OF JEPTIIAH’s DAUGHTER. 18 ] 

ye wish Gilead well. Repose in yonder rooms — 
there shall my people minister to your wants.” 
Jepthah waved his hand, and his degenerate brethren 
crossed the court to the interior apartments. 

“ 0 Jepthah, I deemed your heart were formed of 
nobler nature than thus to harbor vengeance,” said 
the Elder, reproachfully. “Ye then reject us — re- 
fuse to aid your native city, and thus devote us all 
to slaughter! Remember your aged father — your 
daughter.” 

“ Ha ! my sweet young child ! I had forgotten her 
— I must to her rescue indeed. My fathers, accuse 
me not of cherishing revenge. It is my only wish 
to act according to the laws of God. Forgive me 
that I have grieved ye thus, but you know not all the 
suffering my late exile has cost me !” 

Haziel, who had stood with his hands folded in 
the loose sleeves of his scarlet dress, an attentive 
listener to all that passed, now saw with alarm that 
Jepthah was relenting. “ My friends, your time is 
wasted in vain words,” he said, advancing to the 
Elders. “ All ties between the noble Jepthah and 
yourself are broken by your own strong arm. Ye 
sent him poor, and sorrow stricken from your walls, 
1 took him in, clothed, fed, and cheered him. Think 
ye he can thus lightly leave me ?” 

Haziel looked at Jepthah, but he was silent. 

16 


182 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 

“Yea r I brought him hither,” continued Haziel, 
growing warmer, “that he might reap fame and 
riches in the enemy’s land, and think ye he is so 
lost to honor as to abandon me here to be devoured 
by the Canaanite 1 Jepthah, speak ! ye will not 
leave me !” 

Jepthah seemed torn with conflicting emotions. 
“ Elders of Gilead,” at last he said, “Ye must return 
alone !” 

“ Nay, nay, Jepthah !” they cried, kneeling before 
him, “ listen to the cry of your perishing country ! 
Come with us — Do not refuse our prayer !” 

When Jepthah beheld the rulers of his city upon 
their knees before him ; those august old men to 
whom since childhood he had looked as if to very 
gods — their robes of state in the dust, their venera- 
ble beards dropping with tears, and their aged hands 
lifted to him for succor, he thought his heart would 
have burst within him. 

“ Rise, rise, my lords,” he cried, mingling his tears 
with theirs as he stooped to raise them, “ Do your- 
selves not this great dishonor as to kneel to me. I 
go ! I am yours — Receive me again as your son, 
and I will follow you, to death!” 

Jephthah was wrapped in their warm embraces, 
and blessed and thanked by the happy Elders. 

“Farewell, Haziel!” lie said, turning towards 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 183 

his friend. “ Farewell, Jepthah the ingrate! Jep- 
thah the tool !” said Haziel, bitterly. 

“ Speak not thus, thou son of Napthali !” said the 
Elder. “ Thou seest thou art known under thy ban- 
dit disguise. What dost thou here when war threat- 
ens Israel ! and thou, son of the great house of Is- 
sachar! and ye, noble youths, whom I see around 
me !” continued the Elder, addressing the assembled 
band of Haziel; “Follow the steps of Jepthah, I 
entreat ye, ere it be too late. Here is an honorable 
opening by which ye may retrace your path. In 
this coming war, your lost honor and fallen fortunes 
may be retrieved, and ye be worthy yet of your lofty 
race.” The Elders each addressed the young men, 
urging them to return with them. Their patronage 
and protection was promised them, with honorable 
posts in the war. Jepthah’s entreaties were joined 
to theirs, which were in a measure successful ; 
Haziel and some of his friends agreed to accompa- 
ny Jepthah, and they followed the triumphant Elders 
to the camp at Mizpeh. 


184 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

PART III. 

THE VOW. 

Shouts of joy welcomed Jepthah’s arrival, from 
the soldiers. He was led by the Elders towards a 
magnificent tent of scarlet, bordered with gold. 
“ Enter, great Jepthah, the tent of the captain of our 
host,” said the Elder. “ May the God of Israel be 
with thee, and make thee conqueror over Ammon !” 
Jepthah paused before the entrance of the tent, and 
turning, addressed them thus — “Ye have promised 
me, O Elders of Gilead, the post of captain over 
your armies ; but how know I, when I return from 
the wars, ye will not thrust me out as before ? Ere 
I consent to lead you to battle, ye must agree unto 
these two things ; that 1 be not only captain in war, 
but ruler in peace. If ye now make me Judge over 
Gilead, I will take the command of your armies, — if 
not, I will return to my strong hold.” 

The Elders willingly agreed to his demands, as 
they were fully aware of the superiority of Jepthah 
over all his people, and would gladly elect him as 
Judge. Jepthah, rendered wise by the events of the 
past, directed an altar of commemoration to be 
erected, that the people might witness and confirm 
his installation in those great offices. The altar was 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 


185 


raised in the centre of the host, in front of the tent 
of Jepthah, and there, before the assembled army, 
and before the Lord, whose name was called upon 
to witness the compact, he was installed as Judge, 
and captain over Gilead. The Elders repeated be 
fore the people the conditions they had agreed upon 
between themselves and Jepthah, and then turning 
towards him said, “ The Lord be witness between 
us, if we do not so, according to thy words.” The 
grateful acclamations of the men of Gilead, testified 
to their joy at his elevation over them. Their God, 
who had been called upon to bless the newly elected 
Judge, signified his assent to their choice, by shed- 
ding down wisdom and might from on high, upon 
their chosen leader. 

Determined not to await the coming Ammonites 
Jepthah immediately marched to meet the foe. 
Wherever he appeared, the people, become more 
confident now they beheld him at the head of the 
army, hastened to j6in his forces. After winding 
through a defile in the mountains of Gilead, Jepthah 
beheld against the distant horizon, the banners, and 
spears, and glittering chariots of the Ammonites. 
Here he halted, and drew up his men in order of 
battle. Although his faith assured him the Lord 
would give him the victory, Jepthah was anxious it 
should be a bloodless one, and resolved, by negocia- 
16 * 


186 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

tion, to induce the Ammonites to retire. Many men, 
newly elected leader of an army, who knew much 
was expected from them, would be eager to signalise 
themselves by some warlike exploit, but Jepthah’s 
conduct was ruled by the laws of God rather than 
of man, and he sent to demand of the Ammonite 
king, the cause of his appearance in arms. The 
king of Ammon, who had imagined Gilead already 
in his power, was surprised and alarmed when he 
beheld a numerous army posted in his path. He 
paused in his victorious career, and encamped upon 
the plain, where he awaited the heralds which he 
saw approaching. Admitted . into the tent of the 
king, Jepthah’s messengers thus addressed him : 

“ Thus sayeth Jepthah, captain of the Lord’s 
host, to the king of the children of Ammon — Why 
is it that thou hast come up to fight me in my land 1 
Have I evil-entreated thee ? If I have injured thee, 
speak, and I will repay if it be in my power.” 

“ Go, and tell your leader,” replied the king, “ I 
come to recover those lands which the children of 
Israel took from me when they came up out of 
Egypt.” 

“ What land was this, 0 king ?” asked the mes- 
senger. “ The richest part of my inheritance have 
they ravished from me ; that fertile tract whose 
bounds three rivers lave, the Jabbok, Arnon, and 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 18^ 

Jordan. Restore this portion peaceably, and I will 
return to Ammon. If ye refuse, they shall be mine 
by force, my chariots shall crush your ranks and 
seize them from your hand.” 

The messengers departed, and repeated to Jep- 
thah all that had been spoken by the King of Am- 
mon. Fully instructed by their captain, they again 
stood before the king and said — “ Thus saith great 
Jepthah, 0 king — Israel took not this land from the 
children of Ammon, nor of the Moabite their ally ; 
it was in possession of Sihon, King of the Amorites, 
and from them they conquered it. Nor would they 
have thus bereft him, had he granted them that 
peaceful passage through his land which they re- 
quested. Listen, O king, while I rehearse the facts 
relating to their march, and to their battle with the 
Amorites. When Israel came through the wilder- 
ness from Egypt, then Israel sent messengers to the 
Kings of Edom, and the King of Moab, saying, 
* Let me I pray thee pass through thy land V but 
they would not consent ; then they compassed the 
land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and encamped 
upon the banks of the Arnon, which is the border of 
Moab. Israel then sent messengers unto Sihon, 
king of the Amorites, saying let us pass we pray 
thee, through thy land unto my place. Sihon re- 
fused and gathered his people together, and fought 


188 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

against Israel. The God of Israel delivered the 
land of the Amorites into the hand of Israel, from 
Arnon even unto Jabbok. Wilt thou then ask from 
us the land given to us by our God? Take what 
thy own god Chemosh giveth thee. Zippor king of 
Moab did never strive to regain these lands, and now 
dost thou come to take them after Israel hath pos- 
sessed them three hundred years ? Thou doest me 
wrong to war against me, and the Lord the Judge, 
be judge this day between the children of Israel, and 
the children of Ammon !” 

The king of Ammon would not hearken longer to 
the messengers, but, breaking up the conference 
angrily dismissed them. 

Trumpets now resounded from every side, and 
they rushed to meet each other in deadly strife. 
Then was heard ‘ the thunder of the captains, and 
the shouting.’ The ground shook under the roar of 
the chariots, and tramp of armed men, camels and 
elephants. The war-horse was there in his strength ; 
‘ who swallowed the ground with fierceness and 
rage,’ who mocketh although ‘ the quiver rattled 
against him, and the glittering spear and shield.’ In 
the whirlwind of battle, Jepthah for one moment 
forgot his trust in God, and tempted him to fight 
upon his side ; he vowed a vow before the Lord, and 
said, “If thou shalt, without fail, deliver the children 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 189 

of Ammon into my hands, then it shall be, that what- 
soever cometh forth of the doors of my house to 
meet me, when I return in peace from the children 
of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will 
offer it up for a burnt offering !” A rash vow which 
Jepthah ever after deplored, and, which if he had 
reflected one moment, he would not have made. 
Jepthah suffered from his first error, evil communi- 
cation, he had ‘ stricken hands,’ with idolaters, and 
while residing with them, had witnessed their fre- 
quent sacrifices to their gods, and forgot he spoke to 
a God who delighted not in such vows. Into this 
grievous error he had not fallen, if he had shunned 
instead of making friends, of the sons of Baal. 

The children of Ammon fled before the host of 
Jepthah. They were pursued into the heart of their 
country, and twenty cities conquered, and the whole 
land completely subdued. 


PART IV. 

- > 

THE SACRIFICE. • 

The city of Gilead was filled with rejoicing that 
their enemy was repelled, and its streets were 
crowded with the citizens, eager to behold the tri- 
umphant entry of their victorious leader. Jepthah 


190 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 

approached, seated in a brazen chariot surrounded 
by his steel clad warriors. His robe of blue em- 
broidered with gold, was bound by a broad girdle of 
golden mail, a sword hung in chains from his 
side, and shoes of brass defended his feet, a scarlet 
mantle fell from his shoulders, and around his head 
was a band of steel chain-work, from which, pro- 
jected in front, a horn of gold, giving him a fierce and 
terrible appearance. When the procession arrived 
before the house of Jepthah the gate was thrown 
open, and a group of young girls came dancing 
forth, mingling their jocund music with the cheers 
of the populace. What saw the conqueror in yon joy- 
ous train, that he started as if a shot from the ene- 
my’s archers had stricken him ! — why bowed his 
lofty head unto his bosom? At the head of the 
youthful train came the hero’s daughter, his only 
child, holding aloft the sweet sounding trimbrel, and 
attired as became a rulers daughter, in a robe of 
divers colours, richly embroidered with gorgeous 
feather-work, and gold, and silk of varied dies. A 
fillet of white roses bound her dark tresses, and her 
tiny feet were strapped in scarlet sandals. Smiles 
lighted up her fair face, and her soft doves eyes 
beamed with filial tenderness when raised to her 
lordly father. 

Behind her, were the maidens of Gilead, clad in 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 191 

white, with chaplets of red roses ; their slender 
ancles circled with silver bells. Like leaves from 
a. gay parterre swept onward by a summer breeze, 
these lovely flowrets floated in mazy whirls until 
beside the chariot of the conqueror. The daughter 
of Jepthah approached her father, and when the peo- 
ple looked to see him fold her in his embrace, with 
a frantic start, he rent the bosom of his gilded robe, 
and covering his head with his mantle he groaned 
with anguish. “ My father !” said a gentle voice 
beside him. “ Alas, my daughter!” cried the con- 
querer, with a burst of agony — “ From my high 
estate of joy thou hast brought me low down in the 
dust !” There was deep silence while he spoke — 
“ 0 God, forgive me ! my child, forgive me ! When 
I faced the children of Ammon in battle, I vowed, if 
the Lord would deliver them into my hands, I would 
offer up, as sacrifice unto him, the first that came 
forth from my house to meet me ! Thou art the 
first — my child ! my only one !” 

A deep consternation fell upon the hearts of all, 
when this rash vow was heard — on all, save upon 
that fair and gentle creature who was the victim. 
With brow unblanched, and with a glow of generous 
self-devotion, she said to Jepthah— “ My father, if 
thou hast opened thy mouth to the Lord, do unto me 
as thou hast vowed. Thy God hath made thee con- 


192 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

queror over thy enemies — the children of Ammon 
have fallen before thee, and if I am to be the price 
of victory, take me and do unto me according to thy 
vow. I die for my country and for my father — in 
that death there is no bitterness.” At the request of 
the Elders who now approached, Jepthah descended 
from his chariot, and, accompanied by them and his 
daughter, he entered his habitation. Here he threw 
himself upon the ground, covered his head with 
dust, and refused all his child’s endeavors to com- 
fort him. 

Meanwhile the Elders consulted aside, upon the 
best measures to be pursued in this sorrowful and 
unexpected emergency. That Jepthah should sac- 
rifice his daughter, was not to be thought of, since, 
to offer her as a burnt offering would be worthy only 
of an idolater — it was an impossible, unheard of, 
detestable crime. But on the other side, it was 
urged, he had made a solemn vow to the Lord, and 
perhaps in consequence of that vow he had received 
the victory — must he now refuse to perform his vow ? 
What evils might not the Lord, in anger, inflict upon 
them, if that were so. 

Many days were passed in sorrow, and in deep 
perplexity by the people of Gilead. At last, it was 
determined by a council of Elders, that a deputation 
of their number should be sent to Shiloh, in order to 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 193 

obtain the advice of the priests of the tabernacle up- 
on this difficult and unhappy matter. The time of 
their absence wa-s passed in great anxiety by the 
people, and in deep humiliation and anguish by 
Jepthah. Their approach was at length descried 
from the watch-tower — they entered the city, and, 
followed by a train of eager citizens, sought the un- 
happy Jepthah, who still remained upon the ground 
as they had left him, clothed with sackcloth, and 
covered with ashes. 

“ Hear, 0 Jepthah, the message of the High 
Friest of Israel !” — said the chief of the Elders — 
“Unlike a worshipper of Israel’s God, thou hast 
vowed to offer in burnt-sacrifice the first that came 
to meet thee from thy house — such offerings are an 
abomination to the Lord, and to punish thee for thy 
rashness, he hath sent thy daughter forth.” Jepthah 
answered with a groan of anguish. 

“ This sacrifice being forbidden by our laws, the 
person offered can be redeemed with money, and for 
a youthful female the priests demand ten sheckles.” 

She may then be saved ! and the people were pre- 
paring to shout with joy, at her deliverance, when, a 
w r ave from the Elders hand restrained them. 

“ Thou hast said, such, coming forth to meet thee, 
shall surely be the Lord's , and by the laws of our 
holy Moses, tilings thus devoted, cannot be redeem - 
17 


194 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH'S DAUGHTER. 

erf.” A sigh burst from many a bosom when they 
heard this cruel sentence. “ Listen Jepthah to thy 
daughter’s destiny — thou hast devoted her to be the 
Lord’s, and as the Lord’s her days must be spent in 
his service. She is henceforth forever dead to the 
world and dead to thee ! She must be taken to 
Shiloh, where in perpetual virgin seclusion, her days 
must pass in the service of the tabernacle. She be- 
longs no more to man, but must be kept as holy to 
the Lord.” With this decree, the people were sat- 
isfied, and Jepthah was relieved. Still, his daugh- 
ter was lost to him forever, and if not called upon 
to die, was doomed to a lonely life. How bitterly 
was his rash vow now repented ! His cherished 
child, she whom he looked upon as the light and 
comfort of his declining years, must be to him as 
dead ! To her, this destiny was worse than death. 
She had wrought her soul up to the great sacrifice 
of her life, but thus to lose home, and all held dear 
— to see none else but strangers near her — to sur- 
render that fond hope, so cherished by her country 
women, of being the Saviour’s mother, brought to 
her young bosom, a chill as if from the tomb. Her 
fair brow was but a moment clouded. No reproach- 
ful word came from her lip, but with a smile of heroic 
fortitude she turned to Jepthah. — “ Cheer thee, my 
father ! I am raised from death,” she said. “ My 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’s DAUGHTER. 195 

life, devoted to my God, and given for my country, 
must be a happy one, for God will not willingly af- 
flict his child.” Jepthah threw his arms around his 
daughter, wetting her glossy locks with bitter tears. 
“ Remember, thou hast many duties, and many hon- 
ors father ! Thou art a Judge of Israel. Thy brow 
is surrounded by a halo of glory, and thou hast much 
to render life dear to thee. Thou wilt forget this 
anguish soon, and, in worshipping thy God, and in 
thy country’s service, will find peace at last.” 

Jepthah strained her to his heart in speechless 
sorrow. How could he part with this sweet child 
so lately restored to him ! now become far dearer as 
her filial tenderness, her heroism and her religious 
faith became thus known to him. The maiden turn- 
ed towards the Elders. 

“ I bow to the High-priest’s decree, as a most 
righteous one,” she said, “ and I will yield me to his 
will. This only I would ask — give me some little 
time for preparation ; to take farewell of all the 
friends and scenes so dear, — after this, I will ac- 
company ye to Shiloh.” 

The Elders willingly acceeded to her request, 
and then departed. 

Some time was passed in preparation and in en- 
deavors to soothe the sadness of her father, and 
then the daughter of Jepthah, accompanied by her 


196 HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

young female companions, her friends and atten- 
dants, set out upon a pilgrimage among the city’s 
environs, to bid farewell to all those friends and 
places, among whom her childhoods happy days 
were spent. She passed from one spot to another 
among the beautiful mountain scenery of Gilead, 
bidding a weeping adieu to every cherished 
scene. 

With her companions, she bewailed her hapless 
lot, and mourned that she must lose the hope of see- 
ing the promised Saviour among her descendants. 
She then returned to her father’s house, who solemn- 
ly surrendered her into the hands of the Elders, and 
by them she was taken to Shiloh. 

The loss of Jepthah’s daughter, was annually 
commemorated by the daughters of Israel at Gilead. 
Every year, upon the anniversary of this sad event, 
they walked in procession through the same paths 
she had trod with them, when bidding her early 
home adieu. Solemnly they wound among the hills, 
their fair hair hanging neglected upon their shoul- 
ders, and as they passed along, their silvery voices 
filled the groves while singing the following mourn- 
ing hymn. 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 


197 




A LAMENT FOR JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

Maid of Gilead, fare thee well ! 

Hear our mournful chorus swell, 

While among these valleys lone, 

We, for thee, are making moan. 

Breezes of her natal sky, 

Waft to her our pitying sigh. 

Farewell Jepthah’s daughter! 

No mother watches o’er her bed — 

No father blesses her young head — 
Guarding her, no brothers stand — 

Nor gentle smiling sister band — 

Never may she, as a bride, 

Grace a happy lover’s side. 

Farewell Jepthah’s daughter! 

Lonely virgin, not for thee 
A parent’s sweet anxiety ; 

No * olive buds’ around thee twine, 

No voices singing infant chime ; 

And that bright hope is lost to thee, 

Head of Messiah’s line to be. 

Farewell Jepthah’s daughter! 

17 * 


> 


198 


HEROISM OF JEPTHAH’S DAUGHTER. 

Maid of Gilead, fare thee well ! 

Yearly shall this shady dell, 

Mountain path, and verdant plain, 

Echo our lamenting strain. 

May our mournful chorus swelling, 
Reach thee in thy lonely dwelling. 

Farewell Jepthah’s daughter! 



r\ * 


THE HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


“I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my 
mountains tread him under foot .” — Isaiah xiv. 15. 

Judith cannot properly be called a Heroine of 
Sacred History, as her story is drawn from the 
Apocryphal writings, which are rejected as unin- 
spired, by all but the Romish Church. These books 
were read by the early primitive church, and are 
also read now in the Church of England, among the 
lessons of the day, “ for example of life, and in- 
struction of manner ; but were not applied to esta- 
blish any doctrine.” When these writing were first 
Ano leer xgvntyeT, or removed from the ark or chest 
where the others were kept, three were retained and 
allowed to be read by catechumens, and the book of 
Judith was one of these three. That Judith was a 
character of Jewish history, and really performed 
the great action here related, is not doubted. Late 
travellers still point to the town of Saphet as the 


200 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


ruins of Bethulia, and one of them purchased there 
those ‘ lumps of figs,’ a preparation of the fruit simi- 
lar to that which Judith carried among her provi- 
sions, so that she might not eat with idolaters. I 
have placed her beside the other heroines, as an ex- 
ample of what woman may do if she will sacrifice 
her happiness for the good of her friends or 
country. E. R. S. 

Among the great and glorious cities of the East, 
Ecbatana stood conspicuous for strength and beauty. 
In her extent and power, and the multitude of her 
palaces she could not compete with Nineveh or Ba- 
bylon, but there was a grace in her architecture and 
beauty in her situation, as she reclined at the foot 
of a lofty mountain range, her white buildings show- 
ing brightly against the green back-ground, which 
won from every traveller expressions of admiration 
as he gazed. She was the pride of Media ; and 
Arphaxad, the king, had newly fortified it to with- 
stand a siege which was designed against it by 
Nebuchodonosor, king of the Assyrians, from whom 
he had rebelled, and who was advancing with great 
force against them. 

Vain were the precautions of Arphaxad. “Howl, 
oh, gate ; cry, oh, city !” thy beauty and thy strength 
could not save thee! One after another fell her 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


201 


seven walls, and her towers, and Ecbatana was laid 
low in the dust. Arphaxad fled to the mountains, 
but was pursued by the Assyrian — his darts pierced 
through the unfortunate king, and he died with his 
last look fixed in anguish upon his ruined Ecbatana, 
which lay smoking before him ; while his horsemen, 
his chariots, and his wealth fell into the hands of 
Nebuchodonosor. 

The victor returned in triumph to Nineveh, where 
he feasted his army for twenty days. The feasting 
over, he prepared his war-chariots once more, 
breathing slaughter against those nations who had 
refused to assist him in his siege of Ecbatana. He 
had sent to the people of Damascus, and Judea, and 
Arabia, and Egypt, to join him ; a few had obeyed 
his voice, and the remainder were now destined to 
feel the vengeance of his fiery spirit. 

He called together his chief officers, and in their 
presence swore to be revenged upon the rebellious 
cities, and to slay with the sword all their inhabi- 
tants. His purpose was warmly applauded by his 
soldiers and nobles, who were eager for the excite- 
ment and license of war. 

The most trusty and valiant of all the generals of 
Nebuchodonosor, was Holofornes, a fitting agent for 
a revengeful king; for, to valor he added a most 
cruel and unsparing disposition. 


202 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


To him the Assyrian king gave the command of 
his armies. “ Go !” he said to his general, “ I, the 
great King, and Lord of the whole earth, command 
thee to go forth from my presence, and take with 
thee 120,000 foot and 12,000 horsemen and chariots 
— thou shalt go against the west country, because 
they have not obeyed me. See that they send me 
the tribute of earth and water in token I am the 
lord of the land and sea, or I will arise in my wrath, 
and will cover the earth with my armies, and give 
them as a spoil to my soldiers. Their slain shall 
fill the valleys and the brooks, and rivers shall over- 
flow with their blood. Let not thine eye spare those 
who rebel, but put them to slaughter ; for, as I live, 
and by the power of my kingdom ! whatever my 
mouth hath spoken, that will my hand perform !” 

Holofornes, with a vast army of chariots and 
horsemen and camels and asses, followed by the 
tribes around, who swarmed like vultures to the 
prey, set out to execute his master’s commands. 
He ravaged and destroyed all before him. Meso- 
potamia was laid waste, and the plains of Damascus 
were overrun ; the wheat harvests were trampled 
down ; flocks and herds destroyed ; cities spoiled, 
and people slain. Many of the nations around were 
awed and sued for peace. Ambassadors from the 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


203 


inhabitants of the sea-coast, from Tyre and Sidon 
came to him to entreat for mercy. 

“ Behold, we the servants of Nebuchodonosor, 
the great king, lie before thee,” they said, “ use us 
as shall be good in thy sight. Behold our houses, 
our fields of wheat, our flocks and our tents lie be- 
fore thy face, use them as it pleaseth thee. Behold, 
even our cities, and the inhabitants thereof are thy 
servants ; come and do with them as seemeth good 
unto thee !” 

Wherever he went, the Assyrian general saw all 
yield to his power, and he was welcomed with 
dances and timbrels, and crowned with garlands. 
These submissive cities were pardoned, but each 
received a garrison to enforce future good conduct, 
and the gods of the land were destroyed, that all 
might worship the gods of Assyria. 

The approach of this great army brought dismay 
to the hearts of Israel and Judah ; still the idea of 
submission was not for an instant harbored by this 
resolute people. They were strong in the con- 
sciousness of right, when they refused to assist in 
the downfall of Media ; and resolved, whatever 
might betide, never to bow down to the gods of 
Assyria. Hoping their powerful King, Jehovah, 
would appear in their favor, they humbled them- 
selves before him, and ‘ cried to God with great 


204 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


fervency. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were 
clothed with sackcloth, and with ashes on their 
heads, remained night and day before the temple, 
fasting, and offering gifts to the Lord that he might 
shew himself as the “ shield of triumph.” Joachim, 
the high priest, and all the other priests, covered 
themselves and the altar with sackcloth, and cast 
ashes upon their mitres, and “ cried to God with all 
their power, that he would look upon the house of 
Israel graciously.” 

Still, no earthly means were neglected to repel 
the invading army. They were expected to come 
through the hills of Galilee, and upon the strong- 
holds, situated among them, they depended for pro- 
tection. 

All the passes were fortified and victualled for a 
year, while Bethulia and Betomestham prepared to 
stand in the invader’s path, and check his course, 
and even sacrifice themselves rather than permit the 
lawless idolater to place his foot in their holy temple 
so lately purified upon their return from captivity. 

Holofornes first found himself checked in his 
glorious career, in the mountain passes of Galilee. 
He saw he had met with a people of more' power 
and courage than those nations which had so lately 
surrendered to him. Encamping his band between 
Geba and Scythopolis, he tarried a whole month to 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


205 


gather around him all his chariots and horsemen to 
crush at once those rebellious hill forts, which had 
dared to resist him. 

Bethulia, an almost impregnable city, situated up- 
on a hill near the Sea of Galilee, was the point to- 
wards which he resolved to concentrate all his ener- 
gies ; thinking the fall of a post of such importance, 
would intimidate the rest, and he should find nothing 
to impede his victorious course to Jerusalem. 

Unused to resistance, Holofornes chafed at this 
delay. Fearing he should lose much time and en- 
dure much in the siege of these hill fortresses, he 
called together a council of his officers, and Princes 
of Moab and other tributaries, to concert measures 
for the subjugation of the Galilean stronghold^. 

The general of the Assyrians was seated in a 
magnificent tent of scarlet cloth embroidered with 
gold, while around him were assembled his nobles 
and gei\erals, and allied Princes. 

“ Tell me, ye sons of Canaan,” he said, “ who is 
this people that dwelleth in the hill country, and 
what are the cities they inhabit — what is the multi- 
tude of their army; what their power, and what 
King or Captain is set over them! Why come 
they not out to meet me, as do the cities around 
them r 


18 


206 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


Achior, Prince of the Ammonites, stept forward 
to answer the questions of Holofornes. 

“ Let my Lord now hear a word from the mouth 
of thy servant, and I will declare unto thee the truth 
concerning this people that dwelleth in the hill 
country ; and there shall no lie come out of the 
mouth of thy servant. The inhabitants of this land 
are great and powerful ; they rely for protection on 
no king, nor captain, but are governed and shielded 
by a great and wonderful God, who ever saveth 
them from harm, and revengeth them on those who 
go up to slay them.” 

Achior related to Holofornes the history of the 
sons of Israel ; told of their sojourn in the land of 
Egypt, where they were ill-treated, and revenged of 
their adversaries by their God, who smote the Egyp- 
tians, and drew his people thence by great and won- 
derful acts. He told of their triumphant entry into 
this country, led by God, who destroyed all nations 
around, that they might inhabit the land. 

“ Let not my Lord hope to subdue them,” contin- 
ued Achior, “while they obey their God, as he 
never deserts them except they sin. Now, there- 
fore, my Lord and my Governor, if this people sin 
against their God , they will not prosper, and we 
may go up and shall overcome them ; they lately 
did depart from the way which their God appointed, 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


207 


and were destroyed, in many battles sore, and were 
led captives into a strange land ; the temple of their 
God was cast down, and their cities taken by their 
enemies ; but now they have returned to their God, 
who has forgiven them, and have possessed Jerusa- 
lem and the hill country again. Now then let my 
Lord pass by them, lest their God defend them, and 
we become a reproach before the whole world.” 

The speech of Achior visibly affected the people 
who were assembled without the tent, and they 
trembled before the God of Israel ; especially as 
this account was confirmed by others who dwelt 
near the land of Judea. 

Holofornes and his Captains perceived this, and 
were loud in their threatnings against those who 
had created a fear of the enemy in the soldiers’ 
minds. 

“ Let us kill the traitor !” they cried, “ we will 
not be afraid of the face of the children of Israel 
for lo, it is a people who cannot withstand our pow- 
erful army. Let us go up my Lord, and they shall 
be our, prey !” 

When the tumult had ceased, Holofornes cried 
out, “ Who art thou, Achior, and ye hirelings of 
Ephraim, that have said we shall not make war up- 
on the people of Israel because their God will de- 
fend them ; who is god but Nebuchodonosor !” 


208 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


“ Aye, Nebuchodonosor is god,” cried the as- 
sembly. 

“Yea, he will send his power and will destroy 
them from the face of the earth,” continued the 
general, with fury in his looks ; “ and their God 
shall not defend them. We will tread them under 
foot — their mountains shall be drunken with their 
blood — their fields shall be filled with dead bodies, 
and they shall not be able to stand before us, and 
they shall utterly perish, saith King Nebuchodnosor, 
Lord of the whole earth ! And thou, Acliior, thou 
hireling of Ammon, since thou praisest this people, 
I will send thee among them ; and we will see how 
they receive a son of Moab. But if they slay thee 
not, thou shalt be taken when the forts fall in my 
hand, and my sword shall pierce thy side. Go, 
coward, trust to the God of Israel !” 

Achior was bound and led under the walls of 
Bethulia, where it was expected he would be per- 
ceived by the Israelites, and destroyed as a traitor 
and enemy to their country. 

The city of Bethulia, crowned the summit of a 
steep and craggy hill, the approach to which was 
extremely difficult. The inhabitants relied upon 
the strength of their fortifications, and the goodness 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


209 


of their cause, — for was it not a contest between 
their God, and the gods of Assyria ! 

The hopes of the young and brave were high, for 
a holy trust had been confided to them ; they held 
the key of Israel in their hands, as the country 
could not be entered except through the passes of 
their mountains, and their sacred city and temple 
relied upon them for protection. 

The old and reflecting, however, were not so 
sanguine. They trusted not in an arm of flesh, 
for they well knew the great power of the Assyrians, 
and their determination to conquer them. To God 
alone they looked for deliverance, but he might for 
their sins see fit to give them into the power of their 
enemies. 

The army of Assyria was now known to be near. 
The city, from its elevated position commanded a 
view of the country around, and the houses and 
battlements were filled with people watching for 
their approach. 

The band who brought Achior was soon perceived 
and a sally was made against them ; but leaving 
Achior, bound, they escaped. He was loosed and 
carried into the presence of Ozias, Chabris, and 
Charmis, the governors of the city, who demanded 
the cause of his captivity 

Achior stated all that had passed in the council of 
18 * 


210 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


the Assyrian general ; told of the contempt of the 
enemy, and the defence of their God made by him- 
self. Then the people fell down and worshipped 
God, crying — 

“ Lord God of Heaven ! behold the pride of Assur 
— pity the nation, and look this day upon the face of 
those thou hast sanctified !” 

Achior was warmly applauded for -his conduct. 
Ozias took him to his own house, where he held a 
feast, after which he and the elders called on the 

i 

God of Israel with all their might for help. 

A noble widow dwelt in Bethulia ; her husband, 
Manasses, was a man of wealth and rank, but while 
overseeing his men in the barley harvest, was struck 
by the sun and died. Judith, his widow, never 
ceased to mourn for her husband, to whom she was 
tenderly attached ; and still wore widow’s apparel, 
and fasted and dressed in sackcloth except on the 
feasts of new moon, and other festivals of Israel. 
By the strength and elevation of her character, she 
comforted her town's-people, and infused into their 
hearts some of her own courageous spirit. The 
women of Bethulia, especially, relied upon her for 
counsel and support ; for they felt as women must 
always feel, when a great and successful army ap- 
proaches a city. Powerless themselves, they could 
but look upon the contest in which were perishing 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


211 


their husbands and children. The excitement of the 
combat might conceal its horrors from those engaged 
in it, but the observer from afar, sees all its peril, 
and all its distress. The warrior knows, if he fall 
in battle, his name will live in the records of his 
country, but there are few feminine hearts which 
can thus be consoled for the loss of their dearest 
and best. Honor fails to heal the wounds of a lace- 
rated bosom. 

Although Judith reposed fearlessly on the arm of 
her God, she was not without anxiety, and often re- 
sorted to the roof of her house, where she had erected 
a leafy bower, as shelter from the sun — to watch for 
the enemy. Here she gazed out upon the extensive 
and verdant scenery before her, musing upon the 
history of her nation, mourning for her lost husband, 
or communing with her God. 

One morning the weather being extremely warm, 
Judith ascended to her roof, and seated herself 
in her bower. What a fair and variegated landscape 
was spread out beneath her feet ; around her were 
hills and mountains without number, rising and fall- 
ing like green waves over the land, crowned with 
castles, and clothed with olive and vine ; while far 
beyond, rose the dark chain of Anti Libanus, its 
snow crowned summit contrasting coolly with the 
bright sea of Galilee, which lay beneath, the sum- 


212 


HEROISM OF JUDITH 


mer’s sun reflected brilliantly from its surface. At 
her right was Mount Carmel, and its attendant 
hills ; and on the left, Mount Tabor stood frowning, 
its sides clothed with forests of oak, while a fortress 
arose from its summit. Lovely valleys and plains 
lay around and between these hills, covered with 
verdure, and spotted with villages. 

How many scenes, celebrated in her nation’s 
history, lay before her — scenes which had witnessed 
the valor of her countrymen, and favor of God ! 
Would Jehovah desert them now ? She hoped not» 
and resolved if efforts or prayers might avail, her’s 
should all be given for the salvation of Judea. 

While plunged in alternate musing and prayer, 
Judith was aw’are of the sudden glitter upon a dis- 
tant summit. She started and gazed. Broader and 
broader spreads the brightness. Could it be ? Yes, 
it must be the dreaded foe whose spears were flash- 
ing back in defiance, the sun of Palestine. Judith 
despatched in haste a messenger to the governors of 
the city. They hasten to the ramparts, where, amid 
crowd’s of their town’s-people, they gazed at the 
approaching invaders. Every hill was soon crown- 
ed by bands of the hostile Assyrians, who, in mas- 
ses of crimson and gold, poured like fiery lava down 
upon the devoted plains around the city. It was a 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


213 


splendid, but fearful array, and the citizens of Be 
thulia gazed in alternate dread and admiration. 

What a change a few hours wrought in the scene 
upon which Judith had looked. The land, once of 
a universal, peaceful green, now appeared a summer- 
garden, glittering with every brilliant hue. Tents 
of blue and scarlet and yellow, enamelled the ground ; 
while spots of purple, and crimson, and gold marked 
the place where the soldiery were encamped. The 
openings of the hills which once showed long green 
vistas, streaked by the sunbeams, now glared with 
the soldiers’ brazen shields, or brass plates which 
covered solemn-paced elephants. Plumes were 
waving, standards glancing in the sun, trumpets 
awaking the echoes, and all was gladness and hope. 

The citizens gazed upon this brilliant array in 
mournful silence. The hope of escaping t^iat pow- 
erful army seemed vain ; and one universal feeling 
pervaded their bosoms — unless God helped them, 
they were lost. 

Ozias turned to the other governors, who stood 
near. “ Now will these men lick up the face of 
the earth,” he said, “ for neither are the high moun- 
tains nor the hills able to bear their weight. Let us 
to prayer, brethren, and haply God will relieve us in 
this our woeful strait.” 


214 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


At the next council held by Holofomes, one of the 
chiefs of Esau stood forth to speak. “ Let my lord 
now hear a word,” he said, “ that there be no delay 
to our army. The children of Israel do not trust in 
their spears, but in their situation, because it is not 
easy for our chariots and horsemen to ascend their 
mountain. At the foot of this hill are the fountains 
which supply the city. These are protected by 
bands of men ; send thy servants to get these foun- 
tains out of their hands, so that they shall all die of 
thirst, they, and their wives and children ; or surren- 
der the city. Then shall thou render to them their 
reward for rebelling against my Lord.” 

Holofornes was well pleased with this counsel, 
and immediately despatched a powerful band of 
soldiers, which after a short battle, gained possession 

of the fountains of Bethulia. 

• • 

The young are not long depressed. On that day 
the youthful warriors of Bethulia, by speaking in 
contempt of the foe, and courageous vauntings, and 
military show, rallied the spirits of the citizens ; but 
when they beheld their guards driven in, and learned 
that their fountains were in possession of the enemy, 
every heart sank, and despair seized on the city. 
Prayer and sackcloth were again resorted to, and all 
confessed that God alone could save them. 

Judith mourned at home, alone. “We shall be a 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


215 


prey to the spoiler,” she said, “ our beloved city, the 
birth place and sepulchre of my husband, Manasses, 
will be levelled with the ground, and over our ruins 
the invader will rush upon Jerusalem. 

“ O, my God, hast thou willed this city’s fall ! 
Wilt thou permit thy holy Temple to be dese- 
crated by infidel hands ? It cannot be, — thou hast 
said, ‘ I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,’ 
and on this promise I will trust. But are we right 
to rest quietly here, and die of starvation and thirst. 
Oh, that I were a man,” thought the noble widow, 
“ and I would be up and doing ; I would strike a 
blow for my country. But what avail is there in the 
might of man — truly I am a weak, powerless wo- 
man ; but have not women ere now saved their 
country — am I not now looking down upon the great 
plain of Zaanannim, where such mighty deeds were 
done by Deborah and by Jael ? Why may I not do 
the same ? Am I not famed in the land for talent 
above my fellows, and shall I not employ this gift of 
God in the service of my country, and of our holy 
temple? O, Lord of heaven! look down upon thy 
servant, and deign to accept her as an agent in the 
salvation of her country ! Let me be a second De- 
borah in the land, and chase hence this Sisera who 
seeketh our destruction.” 

There seemed no help for the citizens of Bethu 


216 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


lia. Sadly did they gaze upon their cisterns and 
founts in the city, as day by day the waters dimi- 
nished, and provisions failed, and they knew they 
must die a dreary death, or be given to the enemy 
who were raging for them below. At last the water 
failed, and the citizens fell fainting in the streets, 
and many died each day. Then the people, render- 
ed weak by suffering, called upon their rulers to 
surrender to the Assyrians, this being now the only 
hope for their lives. They assembled in a tumultu- 
ous manner before the house of Ozias, crying, “ God 
be judge between us and you. You do us a great 
injury that you do not require peace of the children 
of Assur. We have no helper. God hath sold us 
into the hands of Holofornes. Send for him, then, 
and give him the city as a spoil, and we will be his 
slaves, for this is better than to die of thirst, and see 
our wives and children die !” 

Weeping and groaning was heard on all sides, 
and they “ cried to God with a loud voice,” saying, 
“ We take to witness against you, heaven and earth, 
and God, the Lord of our fathers, if ye do not sur- 
render quickly.” 

“ Brethren, be of good courage,” said Ozias. 
“God will not forsake us utterly. Let. us endure 
five days, and in that time God may look in mercy 
towards us. If at the end of these days there come 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


21 ? 


no help for us, I will do as it may seem good to 
you.” 

The citizens were pacified with this promise, and 
departed each to his own dreary dwelling, there to 
struggle for life five days ere they be given up to 
slavery, or perhaps, death. In silence they awaited 
their doom — hope for assistance from on high nearly 
deserted them, and sighs alone disturbed the mourn- 
ful silence of the so lately animated city. After the 
dispersion of the people, Ozias received a request 
from the noble widow, Judith, praying his presence 
at her house, accompanied by Charmis and Chabris 
when she would show him a way to save the city. 
They immediately repaired thither. 

“ Hear me now, ye Governors of Bethulia !” said 
Judith, when they were seated. “ The words which 
ye have spoken to the people this day, are not right, 
saying ye will deliver the city to the enemy, unless 
God help us within five days. Who are ye, that 
thus promise the help of God, and tempt Him thus ? 
Ye know ye cannot find the depth of the heart of 
man, how, then, can ye pretend to know the mind 
of God, who hath made all things — or how compre- 
hend His purposes? God is not a man that He 
may be forced or threatened from His purpose, and 
if He do not save us within five days, He may after 
that. Let us call upon Him to help us, and He will 


218 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


if it please Him, for we worship no other God but 
Him, and He will not despise us, nor let Judea be 
wasted. Now, therefore, brethren, let us keep of 
good heart yet a while longer, for our brothers de- 
pend on us to defend the altar and the sanctuary. 
Remember what things God did to Abraham and 
Isaac, and what happened to Jacob ; wait on the 
Lord in patience, and He will yet save us.” 

“ All that thou hast spoken,” said Ozias, “ hast 
thou spoken out of a good heart, and there is none 
who may gainsay thy words. From thy youth, all 
men have known thy understanding, and this is not 
the first day that thy wisdom has been manifested ; 
but the people were very thirsty, and compelled us 
to promise to surrender, and bring an oath upon our- 
selves which we cannot break. Therefore, pray 
thou for us, for thou art a holy woman, that the Lord 
will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and we* shall 
hold out yet a while longer.” 

“ Hear me !” said Judith, “ and I will do a thing 
which few women would do, but which is now the 
only way to save the nation. Accompany me this 
night to the city gate, and let me and my waiting- 
woman pass forth, and within the days which ye 
have promised to deliver the city to the Assyrians, 
tne Lord will save Israel by my hand ! Inquire not 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


219 


ye of mine act, for I will not declare it unto you till 
the things I propose shall be finished. 

“ Go in peace,” said the governors, “ and the 
Lord God go before thee to take vengeance on our 
enemies.!” 

At the time when the evening incense was offered 
to the Lord in Jerusalem, Judith clothed herself in 
sackcloth, and throwing ashes upon her head, knelt 
in prayer, “ O, Lord God of our father Simeon !” 
she ?aid, “ hear me, a lonely widow ! Behold, the 
Assyrians are multiplied in their power ; they are 
exalted with horse and man — they glory in the 
strength of their chariots — they trust in shield and 
spear, in bow and .sling, and know not that thou art 
God who breakest the battles. Throw down their 
strength by thy power, for they have purposed to de- 
file thy sanctuary where thy glorious name resteth, 
and cast down thy tabernacle with their sword. 
Behold their pride, and give into my hand the power 
to cast them down — deign to bless my purpose, and 
smite them by the hand of a woman. Thou, who 
art the God of the afflicted, the protector of them 
who are forlorn and without hope, hear my prayer, 
save us, and make every nation and tribe acknow- 
ledge that thou art the God, and there is none other 
protector of Israel but thee 1” 

When her prayer was ended, Judith arose, and 


220 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


having anointed herself, she plaited her hair, adorned 
it with jewels, and arrayed herself in one of her 
rich dresses which she had not worn since the death 
of her husband, Manasses ; — her feet were deco- 
rated with sandals of scarlet and gold, while brace- 
lets, chains and rings, ornamented the rest of her 
person. She was a woman renowned for beauty, 
and now that her majestic person was attired in 
costly and graceful raiment, she well might hope to 
attract the notice of the Assyrian General. 

Having laden her maid with a bottle of wine, a 
cruise of oil, a bag of parched corn, and bread, and 
lumps of figs, she sat out for the city gate. The 
three Governors were waiting for her, and when 
they beheld her stately form approach, so richly 
decked, they broke forth in expressions of admira- 
tion. 

“ Welcome, noble Judith !” they exclaimed 
“ May the God of our fathers show thee favor, and 
enable thee to accomplish the enterprize thou hast 
undertaken to the glory of the children of Israel, 
and the exaltation of Jerusalem !” 

At the request of Judith, the city gates were 
opened, and she passed forth with her maid, the 
three Governors looking after her until she had gone 
down the hill, passed the valley, and they could see 
her no more. 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


221 


The heroic Judith had not long left the city, ere 
she was challenged by the enemy’s sentinel. 

“ Who art thou ? whence comest thou ? and 
where goest thou ?” he said. 

“I am a Hebrew woman,” replied Judith. “ I 
have fled from the city to the Assyrian camp, to go 
before Holofornes, the captain of your army, and 
show him a way to take the city, and pass through 
the hill country without the loss of a man.” 

The man gazed upon her in astonishment, so 
beautiful and so magnificently dressed, and alone. 
“ Thou doest well to save thy life by fleeing to Ho- 
lofornes,” he said. “ Follow me, and I will conduct 
thee to his tent, and when thou standest before him, 
be not afraid, but say all thou wilt and he will en- 
treat the well.” 

So pleased were the guards with the appearance 
of this noble woman, that they placed her in a char- 
iot, and with a train of a hundred men she entered 
the camp. As she passed, every one looked on with 
wonder and admiration, and while waiting without 
the tent of Holofornes, the people gathered around, 
uttering loud expressions of admiration. “ Truly, 
these children of Israel are wondrous people,” said 
one. “ If their women are such noble creatures, 
what must their men be ? Who would despise this 
people, who have among them such women V’ 

19 * 


222 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


“ So much more need is there of their extermi- 
nation,” said another, “for they are likely to be- 
come troublesome neighbors.” 

It was now quite dark, and Holofornes came from 
the tent, his servants bearing silver lamps before 
him. The general lifted her from the chariot, and 
led her into the tent. In the centre stood a couch, 
above which was a rich canopy of cloth, woven with 
purple and gold, and emeralds and precious stones. 
Holofornes seated himself, and motioned Judith to 
take a place beside him, but she threw herself upon 
the ground before him, imploring his mercy and 
protection. The Assyrian commanded his servants 
to raise her, saying, “ Woman, be of good comfort — 
fear not in thy heart, for I never hurt any thing 
which is willing to serve King Nebuchodonosor, the 
King of all the earth. If thy people that dwelleth 
in the mountains, had not set light by me, I would 
not have lifted up my spear against them. But now, 
tell me, why thou art fl6d from them and come to us ; 
here thou art safe, for none shall do thee hurt, but 
entreat thee well, as they do the servants of our 
King, Nebuchodonosor.” 

“ Remember the words of thy servant,” said Ju- 
dith, “ and suffer thy handmaid to speak in thy pres- 
ence, and I will declare no lie to my Lord this night. 
If thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


223 


God, through thee, will bring wonderful things to 
pass. As Nebuchodonosor, King of all the earth 
liveth ! men and cattle and cities shall live by the 
power under Nebuchodonosor, and all his house. 
We have heard of the wisdom and policy of Holo- 
fornes ; and it is every where reported that thou art 
die most powerful and excellent man in all Assyria, 
and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of 
war. My Lord,” continued Judith, “ Achior hath 
been saved by our people, and hath declared all that 
passed in thy council, and of what he said regard- 
ing the children of Israel, who could not be con- 
quered unless they sin , for their God protects them. 
Therefore, O my Lord and Governor, lay his words 
to thy heart, for they are true, and our nation can- 
not be punished, nor shall thy sword prevail against 
them, except they sin against their God. But now, 
my Lord, this people have resolved upon a great sin, 
and God will give them into the power of their ene- 
mies. Their victuals and water have become scant, 
and they have agreed to consume all the cattle and 
those animals and things which God, by his laws, 
hath forbidden them to eat ! Thy handmaid know- 
ing this, hath fled from the guilty city, lest I perish 
with them, and God hath sent me to tell thee, so 
that thou might be an instrument in His hand to 
punish the Israelites. Thy servant is religious, my 


224 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


Lord, and serveth God night and day, and He will 
reveal to me the moment when the people eat for- 
bidded things, and consume the first fruits of the 
corn, and tenths of wine and oil, which have been 
sanctified and reserved for the priests who serve the 
Lord in Jerusalem — things not lawful for our people 
to touch with their hands. Now, then, my Lord, 
be guided by me. Permit thy handmaid to go out 
in the plain each night to pray, and God will tell me 
when they have done this sin, and I will tell thee, 
then shalt thou go forth with thine army, and thou 
shalt have an easy victory.” 

Holofornes was astonished at all he heard. He 
thanked Judith for her offered services, and declared 
himself ready to act as she might dictate ; while the 
officers and nobles who stood around, declared, 
“ There was not such a woman on the whole face 
of the earth for beauty or wisdom.” 

“ God hath done well to send thee hither,” said 
Holofornes, “ that by our hands destruction may 
come upon them that lightly regard him. Fair Ju- 
dith, thou art beautiful in thy countenance, and witty 
in thy words. Surely, if thou do as thou hast spo- 
ken, thy God shall be my God, and thou shalt dwell 
in the house of Nebuchodonosor, and be renowned 
throughout the whole earth !” 

At the evening feast, Holofornes called Judith to 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


225 


a seat near him, and would have given her of his 
own rich repast and wine, but she said, “ Not so, 
my Lord, for it is against our laws, but I have here 
provision according to our customs, which I will 
eat.” 

“ What if thy provisions fail ? asked Holofornes. 
“We have none of thy nation here to prepare it for 
thee.” 

“As thy soul liveth, my Lord,” said Judith, 
“ these things shall not be expended ere thy hand- 
maid shall work all'that her Lord hath given her to 
do.” 

At her request, Holofornes gave orders to the 
guard to permit Judith to go out and in, to her 
prayers without the camp, that she might unmolest- 
ed watch for the propitious moment to attack Bethu- 
lia. Judith then retired to a tent prepared for her, 
where she reposed until midnight; when she arose, 
and followed by her maid, went out in the valley to 
pray. How mixed were the emotions which passed 
through the bosom of the devoted Judith as she 
watched out the hours of night in that lonely plain. 
Her maid, stationed at some distance, was asleep, 
the watch-fires were out, the camp was silent, and 
of all nature, she alone seemed alive. As she re- 
volved the great project for which she had come, 


226 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


the woman conquered, and her gentle nature re- 
volted. 

“ Shall I be a shedder of blood !” she said. 

“ Can it be right to murder him ? I cannot do it ; 
my whole soul shudders at the thought ! I, who re- 
fused to crush the insect which offended me, shall 1 1 
destroy man — shall I lay him low who now treadeth 
the earth so gloriously. O that there were some 
other way ! How shall these small, these tender 
hands, smite the lordly Assyrian ? Perchance he * 
hath a wife who watcheth for him at home, and 
loves him as I loved my lost Manasses. Shall I 
make her the lonely widow that I am? O, Father 
above, save me from all this duplicity and crime !” 

As Judith raised her eyes, they fell upon the 
gloomy towers of Bethulia, distinctly seen against 
the star-lit sky. She thought upon all the misery 
and despair within those silent walls, and of the 
many hearts who were looking to her for deliverance, 
and her strength of purpose again returned. Crush- 
ing her woman’s tenderness, she arose, firmly re- 
solved to tread unshrinkingly the path she had cho- 
sen, which, even if it led through blood, would save 
her country, and the holy temple. Holofornes once 
slain, his dastard soldiers, no longer guided by his 
experienced hand, would be scattered like rushes 
before the wind. 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


227 


On the fourth day, Holofornes made a great feast. 
Calling Bagoas, his confidential servant to him, he 
said, “ Go, now, and persuade this Hebrew woman 
whom I have placed in thy charge, to come in to my 
feast and drink with me. It is a shame to have this 
splendid woman here and not share more of her 
company ; truly, she will laugh us to scorn.” 

Bagoas sought Judith. “ Fair damsel,” he said, 
“ art thou afraid of my Lord that thou comest not 
into his presence ? Come and drink wine, and be 
merry with us, and be made this day as one of the 
daughters of Assyria, which serve in the house of 
Nebuchodonosor.” 

“ Who am I, that I should gainsay my lord?” said 
Judith. “ Surely, whatsoever pleaseth him, I will 
do speedily, and it shall be my joy unto the day of 
my death !” 

Radiant with beauty, and in rich attire, Judith 
entered the banquet tent, and seated herself on a 
couch spread with soft furs which her maid had 
prepared for her, opposite to Holofornes. The As- 
syrian gazed in rapture, and resolved to leave noth- 
ing undone to gain this beauteous Hebrew to him- 
self. 

“ Drink and be merry with us, Judith,” he said. 
“ Be not afraid of me, for my heart is filled with 


228 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


love for thee. Thou art the fairest of women, O 
Judith.” 

“ I will drink, now, my Lord,” said Judith, “ be- 
cause my life is magnified in me this day more than 
all the days since I was bom.” 

Judith ate and drank what her maid had prepared, 
and so excited the Assyrian by her beauty and wit, 
that he drank more than he had ever been accus- 
tomed, and Judith foresaw he would be in a state 
fitting for lier purpose. When the feast was over, 
and the guests departed, Bagoas dismissed the ser- 
vants, while he closed the tent, and left Judith alone 
with Holofornes. 

The Assyrian, insensible to the presence of his 
charming guest, had thrown himself on his couch, 
where he now lay in a drunken slumber. The pro- 
pitious moment had arrived for the execution of the 
great purpose for which Judith had come. She 
listened — all was silent, and she approached the 
couch. The terrible enemy — her country’s destroy- 
er was before her ; one blow of her hand, and Israel 
would be free ! 

“ Shall I slay thee sleeping?” murmured Judith, 
“ thou who wast so kind to me — whose words of 
love but now have met mine ear ? Yea, bloodhound ! 
thou that wouldst slaughter my brethren — that 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


229 


wouldst demolish our holy temple ! thy hour is 
come ! If that form be erect to-morrow — if that 
arm be stretched out, Israel is lost ! O, Lord God 
of all power ! look down upon me now, and bless 
the work of my hand, for the exaltation of Jeru- 
salem !” 

At the head of the couch hung a falchion. Judith, 
taking the weapon in one hand, and the hair of her 
drunken foe in the other, and exclaiming, “ O, Lord 
of Israel, strengthen me this day!” smote off the 
Assyrian’s head. At her signal her maid entered, 
who, tearing down the jewelled canopy, wrapped 
the head in it, and placed it in her bag. Following 
her mistress, they left the camp unmolested, as if 
for their usual prayer ; and hastened up to the gate 
of Bethulia. 

“ Open ! open now the gate !” cried the success- 
ful Judith to the guard. “ God, even our God, is 
with us, to show his power yet in Jerusalem, and for 
the downfall of Assyria ! The watchmen ran down 
joyfully to admit her, and brought her to an open 
space near the gate, where stood the Governors and 
a large concourse of people around a large watch- 
fire ; who had thus been waiting and watching for 
her, since the evening of her departure. “ Praise ! 
praise God !” cried Judith, advancing towards them. 
“ Praise God, for he hath not taken away his mercy 
20 


230 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


from the house of Israel, but hath destroyed our 
enemies by my hand this night ! Behold the head 
of Holofornes !” she continued, as her maid held 
up the head, “the chief Captain of the army ol 
Assur ! and behold the glittering canopy under which 
he did lie in his drunkenness ! The Lord hath 
smitten him by the hand of a woman ! As the Lord 
liveth, who kept me in my way as I went ! my 
countenance hath deceived him to his destruction, 
and yet hath he not committed sin with me, to defile 
or shame me.” 

The people were astonished ; they gazed on the 
heroic woman in silence, and then, as if by one im- 
pulse, bowed themselves and worshipped God. 

“ Blessed be thou, O, our God !” they said. 
“ This day thou hast brought to nought the enemies 
of thy people.” 

“ 0, daughter !” cried Ozias, “ blessed art thou of 
the most high God, above all women upon the earth ; 
and blessed be the Lord God, which hath created 
the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee 
to the cutting off the head of the chief of our ene- 
mies. May thy confidence in the power of God, 
dispose the hearts of men to remember him in 
affliction. And God turn these things to thy per- 
petual praise, to visit thee with good things, because 
thou hast offered thyself for the good of our nation ; 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


231 


hast revenged us, and walked straight before thy 
God !” 

And "all the people with one voice, cried, 
“ Amen !” 

“ Hear me now, my brethren,” said Judith, “ take 
this head and hang it upon the highest place of your 
walls ) and soon as the morning shall appear, and 
the sun come forth upon the earth, send out all the 
soldiers from the city, as if to make a sally upon the 
Assyrians — but go not down. Then shall they as- 
semble themselves and put on their armor, and go 
to the tent of Holofornes, to awaken him ; arid lo, 
when they find him so mysteriously dead, fear will 
fall upon them, and they shall fly. Then pursue 
them, ye Israelites, and they shall be a spoil to your 
arms. But before ye do these things, call me hither 
Achior, that he may behold him that despised the 
God of Israel.” 

Achior was sent for, and when he saw the multi 
tude of people, and the head of Holofornes, which 
a soldier held aloft, and beheld the heroic Judith, 
standing before him, arrayed in magnificent attire, 
her countenance glowing, and her eyes flashing 
proudly upon the fallen Assyrian, he thought the 
avenging Deity of the Israelites stood before him, 
and he fainted at her feet. 

When he revived, he kissed the hem of her robe, 


232 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


exclaiming, “ Blessed art thou in Judea : and all the 
nations at the hearing of thy name shall be as- 
tonished ! Tell me all thou hast done to bring to 
pass these wonderful things.” 

Judith related minutely all she had done since 
leaving the city. The people listened attentively, 
and when she finished, they shouted aloud for joy, 
and accompanied her with all honor and reverence 
to her home. 

When the morning broke, the head of Holofomes 
was hung out upon the wall, and the Israelites as- 
sembled without the gates. As soon as they were 
perceived the Assyrian guard ran to awaken their 
captains. 

“ Awaken our Lord, Holofornes,” they said to 
Bagoas, “ for the slaves have the boldness to 
threaten battle. Let us go up and destroy them.” 

Bagoas knocked at the tent, but receiving no an- 
swer, ventured to enter, when the headless body of 
their general met his astounded view. Crying with 
horror, and rending his garments, he ran to the tent 
of Judith, and her absence confirmed all his suspi- 
cions. 

“ Treason, treason !” he cried, rushing out among 
the soldiers ; “ the slaves have dealt treacherously, 
and this Hebrew woman hath brought shame upon 
the house of Nebuchodonosor. Holofornes is slain !” 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


233 


• “ Holofornes is slain !” re-echoed through the 
camp, and the soldiers trembled at the sound, The 
dread of the Israelite’s God, which the words of 
Achior had inspired, had never left their bosoms ; 
and now, completely terrified, they every moment 
expected this awful God to appear, and strike them 
as he had their general. The people rushed madly 
about. Confusion prevailed, and in spite of all the 
efforts of their officers, the panic spread from rank 
to rank, and the army fled, half of them knowing 
not all that had happened, but only hearing that the 
avenging God of the Hebrews was pursuing them. 

“ The wicked flee when no man pursueth.” 

The step of the avenger, however, was not far 
behind them. The inhabitants of Bethulia rushed 
out after the fugitives, and sending messengers to 
the towns around, the people ran out, and soon the 
miserable Assyrians were assailed on all sides by 
the citizens of Betomestham, and Chobai, and the 
people of the hill country of Galilee, and of the sea 
coasts. Thousands were slaughtered, and Israel 
was free ! 

The spoils were great from the camp of the 
Assyrians which fell into the hands of the Bethu- 
lians. 

Great was the joy of the inhabitants of Jerusalem 
at their deliverance, and the name of Judith of Be- 
20 * 


234 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


thulia was in every one’s mouth, with terms of won- 
der and praise. To do her all possible honor, Joa- 
cim, the High-Priest, resolved to visit and thank her 
for the salvation of her country. 

Accompanied by a long train of the priesthood, 
and the great and good of Jerusalem, he arrived be- 
fore the gate of Bethulia. Judith came forth to 
meet him, and knelt before him. Blessings were 
showered upon her by every voice. 

“ Arise my daughter,” said the High Priest. 
“ Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the 
great glory of Israel ! thou art the joy and rejoicing 
of our nation. Thou hast done much good in Israel, 
with thy hand ; and God is pleased therewith. 
Blessed be thou of the Almighty Lord forever- 
more !” And all the people cried “ Amen !” 

To Judith was given the tent of Holofornes, which 
was of costly material, adorned with gold and jew- 
els ; and with it all his plate, and beds of silver, 
and vessels of gold, and rich stuffs. This she re- 
solved to dedicate to the Lord in Jerusalem. It was 
placed upon a triumphal car, followed by a great 
train of priests, and soldiers, whose armor was 
adorned with garlands, and who shouted for joy. 

Judith followed by her maid, both, crowned with 
olive garlands, preceded the car, surrounded by the 
women of Bethulia, dancing, and singing songs of 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


235 


praise. When arrived in sight of Jerusalem, they 
pointed to the temple, which like a snowy mountain, 
reflected the rays of the sun. 

“ Behold our Sacred Temple !” they cried. 
“ Thou hast saved it from the idolater. Behold it 
is glorious in gold and in marble and in precious 
stones, and but for thee it were a smoking ruin !” 
Tears of joy and gratitude, fell from the eyes of 
Judith, and she felt she was repaid for all she had 
done.^ 

The procession ascended to the city, and up the 
marble steps of the Temple, and through its mag- 
nificent courts into the glorious space which sur- 
rounds the Temple itself. Here were offered their 
sacrifices and burnt-offerings and f'ree-offerings. 
Judith felt a glow of gratitude to God as she gazed 
around her upon the sculptured marble, the altar of 
brass, and the brazen laver, and marble tables, and 
other rich furniture of the Court ; and as she beheld 
the graceful Temple whose richly embroidered cur- 
tain was raised giving her a view of golden furni- 
ture, and scarlet and purple within ; for she remem- 
bered that her feeble arm, made strong by God, had 
saved all these sacred things from the hand of tho 
enemy. The High Priest was there iri his splendid 
robes of blue and purple and scarlet embroidery, 
adorned with jewels, and bordered with golden bells 


236 


HEROISM OF JUDITH 


and scarlet pomegranates — while around him stood 
the sons of Levi, in their blue fringed robes of white 
linen — altogether a glorious and most wonderful ar- 
ray. 

Judith, unable to repress her feelings longer, 
broke forth in the following song of thanksgiving 
and triumph, while the people accompanied her with 
instruments and shouting : 

Judith’s *song. 

Strike to the Lord on the loud sounding cymbal. 

Sing, and ring out the sweet bells of the timbrel, 

Exalt, with new songs, our Lord’s glorious name ! 

Who put the bold sons of Assyria to shame. 

Our mountians were clothed by the hosts of the foe ; 

In vain, through their ranks, seek our torrents to flow ; 

On, on ! like the waves of the dark rolling main, 

O’er mountains, they come, over valley and plain. 

Then trembled our boldest, their vauntings were hushed,— 
The hopes of our bravest and wisest were crushed ; 

In terror, we called on Jehovah for aid, 

He spoke, and the waves of destruction were staid. 

The mighty hath fallen, but not in the fray. 

For Judith came forth in her festive array, 

In sandals and tire, wrought with jewels and gold, 

And heart, by the might of Jehovah made bold. 

She dazzled the foe by the power of her charms, 

And rescued her land from the fear of his arms ; 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


237 


The son of Assyria was caught in her toils ; 

His tent and his riches and gold were her spoils. 

With falchion uplifted, she called on the Lord — 

She struck, and Judea was freed by her sword. 

Then quailed the Assyrian, and Media grew pale, 

And trembled the Perse at the terrible tale. 

Their leader has fallen ! they fly at the sound — 

Our spearmen pursue, and their dead strew the ground. 
Then shout, sons of Judah ! and sing a new song, 

To our glorious Lord, at whose presence the strong 
Are bow’d to the earth, and mountains o’erthrown ; 

And rocks from their summits are shaken and strown. 

Woe, woe, to the nations who threaten us harm 
Against them Jehovah shall stretch out his arm, 

And vengeance and fire shall pursue them for ever, 

And the voice of their wailing and weeping cease never ! 

THE MORAL. 

In judging the conduct of Judith, we must keep 
in mind the different manners which prevailed in 
those days. We cannot but wonder and admire 
when we reflect upon all she hazarded for her coun- 
try. She endangered more than life, for if discover- 
ed, she ran the risk of death, or of living in degra- 
dation and sorrow. She periled her fair fame, 
which to a woman was worth more than existence. 
The task which she undertook was odious, yet she 


238 


HEROISM OF JUDITH. 


shrank not from it, for she knew if the conqueror 
lived, her country was lost. 

We may not be called to such a trial, but in what- 
ever straight, when self is the sacrifice let us pray 
for strength to look to the good of others before our 
own. Or, in the words of our Messiah ! 

•• Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, 
do ve even so to them ! ” 


MEMOIR 


OP 

MRS. SARAH LOUISA TAYLOR. 

PUBLISHED BY JOHN S. TAYLOR, 

BRICK CHURCH CHAPEL, 

Corner of Park Row and Spruce streets , New-York. 
BOSTON, WEEKS, JORDAN AND CO. 
PHILADELPHIA, JOSEPH WHETHAM. 


NOTICES. 

From the Christian Mirror. 

Memoir of Mrs. Sarah Louisa Taylor : or an Illustra . 
tion of the work of the Holy Spirit , in awakening , re. 
newing, and sanctifying the heart. By Lot Jones, A. 
M., New-York : John S. Taylor. 1838, pp. 324. 
Memoirs of individuals have become so common, that 
not a few may be ready to ask, Why publish another ? 
We have no fears that the above queslion will be asked by 
any one after reading this volume. If he does not feel 
‘reproved, corrected, or instructed in righteousness,’ it 
will be because he has made pre-eminent attainments in 
scriptural knowledge, and holy, useful living ; or else be. 
cause his conscience has lost its susceptibility. In Mrs. 
Taylor religion appears with dignity as well as grace, in 
power as well as beauty. Hers was the faith which 
* works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the 
world.” Its fruits were choice and abundant. Nor were 
her virtues cancelled, or their influence more than destroy 
1 


NOTICES. 


ed by gross defects and blemishes. She had uncommon 
symmetry and harmony of character. With a uniform 
and controlling desire to do good, she never lacked the 
means and opportunity ; and did much, in the best and 
highest sense of the expression. She won not a few to 
righteousness. Her religion was a religion of diligence 
and energy, rendering her “ steadfast, unmoveable, al- 
ways abounding in the work of the Lord and her labor 
was ** not in vain.” 

We see in Mrs. T. the same religion, in its essential 
elements, and in its more important developments, which 
glowed in and beamed forth from the “ great cloud of wit- 
nesses f — the same faith, the same humility, the same 
dependence on atoning blood, the same susceptibility to 
the constraining influence of Christ’s love : “We thus 
judge, that, if Christ died for all, then all were dead ; and 
that he died for all, that they who live should not hence- 
forth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for 
them.” We see deep religious experience, but no extrava- 
gance — strong feelings, but no fanaticism — absorbing de- 
votion, but no cant — firmness of principle, but no party 
bigotry. We have here, not only holiness in its principle, 
but the beauty of holiness adorning and perfecting the 
character. 

Mr. Jones was greatly favoured in the subject of his 
narrative ; and he has wrought up his materials with great 
skill and judgment. Nothing has been inserted, which 
would have been better omitted ; and nothing appears to 
be wanting, which was necessary to a just appreciation of 
her character. 

We unhesitatingly commend this Memoir to all females, 
in all ranks of society. The most refined and best edu- 
cated will rise from its perusal, improved in literary taste, 
intellectual expansion, and correct thinking ; and the less 
favored will learn from it what it is in their power to be- 
come by diligence, by prayer, by studying the Scriptures, 
by a whole-hearted devotedness to the duties which they 
owe to God and their fellow men. 

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